Kristina from Orange Tree Publishing expresses sympathy for Maddie's loss and tells her not to worry about work.
Kristina understands Maddie's situation as she lost her own parent the year before and offers support.
Maddie questions her lack of tears and discusses her feelings of constant sadness.
Maddie's friend Nia encourages her to express her emotions and not to hide them.
Maddie reveals details about her distant relationship with her reserved and private father to Nia.
The financial struggles during Maddie's upbringing are discussed, including issues with paying bills and their eventual move due to financial necessity.
Maddie shares intimate memories of her father, including the rare occasions he expressed love openly.
Maddie finally breaks down in tears, regretting not seeing her father one last time, and cries on Nia's shoulder for the morning.
Maddie returns home to find her mother and brother, with emotions running high.
There's a tense atmosphere in Maddie's household, with conflicts between her mother and brother surfacing.
Her brother indirectly blames their mother for their father's worsening condition after she returned.
Maddie overhears a dispute about a man named Kwaku, hinting at a possible secret her mother is keeping.
Maddie struggles with the desire to leave the house that she now associates with her father's absence and death.
She copes with denial by repeatedly telling herself she's not really present in the situation.