Penny reminds the protagonist, Maddie, of her appointment with Angelina, indicating Maddie seems unwell.
Maddie finds Angelina's appearance striking and starts the session by mentioning a yellow pantsuit and her habit of talking to herself.
Angelina explores the reasons behind Maddie's self-talk and her introverted nature, suggesting Maddie might prefer her solitude because she wasn't given a choice.
Maddie reflects on her family's disconnect, admitting she might belong to the second type of introvert.
Angelina delves deeper into Maddie's reluctance to discuss personal matters with others and hints at Maddie's desire to avoid other people's reactions.
Maddie's hesitation and anxious behavior during the session show she is struggling to deal with her feelings.
Maddie experiences a surge of emotions as Angelina prompts her to reveal what she's avoiding discussing. Maddie admits she talks to herself to control her thoughts.
Maddie abruptly suffers a panic attack triggered by her emotional overwhelm and faints.
Dr. Rusher, a visiting company doctor, checks on Maddie after her panic attack and advises her to see a GP.
Penny tells Maddie to take the rest of the day off and mentions Maddie's mom is coming to pick her up.
Maddie's mom is quiet during their ride home and is uncharacteristically silent until they reach Maddie's flat.
In the kitchen, Maddie's mother attempts to comfort her, but Maddie asserts she is not fine, alluding to her guilt and grief over her father's death.
Maddie and her mother have a candid conversation revealing past hurts, misunderstandings, and her mother's history with Kwaku and an arranged marriage with Maddie's father.
Her mother acknowledges her own failings, her struggles with her choices, and the complexities of her relationship with Maddie's father.
Maddie gains new insight into her mother's life, realizing the parallels with her own experience of carrying family responsibilities.
The chapter ends with Maddie's mother cooking for her and inquiring about the nickname "Maame," which Maddie associates with being forced into adulthood.
Maddie's mother reflects on the term's endearment and the necessity of growing up quickly, while Maddie contemplates being needed for the wrong reasons.