Chapter Thirty-Three: The First Meeting with Ethan

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

In a flashback to her college years, Chloe describes meeting Ethan at a frat party. She was taking Valium and drinking to stay calm. Her roommate Sarah first approached Ethan, then encouraged him to talk to Chloe. Chloe initially hesitated because Ethan did not fit her safety checklist—he was large, popular, and seemed entitled. However, when Ethan approached, he was charming and respectful, suggesting they talk in the empty kitchen rather than a bedroom. They talked for four hours, and Chloe felt a mix of safety and danger. The chapter establishes the beginning of their relationship and Chloe’s guarded perspective.

Key Events

Chloe takes Valium and drinks alcohol at a frat party to numb her anxiety.
She positions herself against the wall to keep her back protected and survey the room.
Her roommate Sarah notices Chloe watching Ethan and decides to approach him.
Sarah whispers to Ethan, then he walks over to Chloe.
Ethan introduces himself and clarifies that he wants to find a quiet, visible place to talk, not his bedroom.
They move to the empty kitchen, where Chloe sits on the counter while Ethan cleans a spot.
The two talk for four hours, beginning their connection.

Character Development

This chapter deepens Chloe’s characterization through her memories. She is hypervigilant, relying on a strict checklist to screen potential partners for physical or emotional danger. Her use of Valium and alcohol shows her reliance on chemical calm. The flashback also reveals her tendency to assume the worst about others, as she initially thinks Sarah is trying to steal Ethan. When Ethan corrects her assumption about wanting a quiet bedroom, she is forced to reconsider her snap judgments. The chapter suggests that Chloe’s guarded nature has deep roots in her past. Ethan is portrayed as charismatic and respectful in this memory, which complicates the present-day narrative where he is suspected of murder.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Trust vs. Suspicion: Chloe’s internal conflict between attraction and wariness mirrors the central tension of the novel.
Memory and Perception: The chapter is a filtered memory, raising questions about reliability and nostalgia.
Safety Checklist: Chloe’s list of red flags serves as a motif for her need to control risk in relationships.
Chemical Calm: The Valium symbolizes her desire to suppress anxiety and maintain control.
Safe vs. Dangerous: The bittersweet feeling of being on a roller coaster captures the allure and risk of trusting someone new.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter Thirty-Three provides essential backstory for the core relationship in the novel. It shows how Chloe and Ethan began their romance under seemingly ordinary circumstances, highlighting the contrast between the hopeful beginning and the later suspicion. The chapter also offers insight into Chloe’s psychological state before the murders began, explaining her habitual caution. Understanding this first encounter helps readers gauge whether Ethan has changed or whether Chloe’s initial perception was flawed.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Chloe maintain a “checklist” for guys she dates?
Chloe uses the checklist as a safety mechanism to avoid partners who might physically overpower her or become entitled and angry if she changes her mind. It reflects her trauma history and need for control.
How does Ethan’s behavior in this memory challenge Chloe’s initial assumptions?
When Ethan clarifies that he only wanted a quiet place to talk, not a bedroom, he proves himself more respectful than Chloe expected. This forces her to soften her guard and consider him as genuinely interested in conversation.
What role does Sarah play in the first meeting between Chloe and Ethan?
Sarah acts as a matchmaker, though Chloe initially misinterprets her intentions. By approaching Ethan first and whispering to him, Sarah facilitates their introduction and sets the stage for their four-hour conversation.