Chapter summaries Here One Moment Liane Moriarty

Here One Moment: Chapter 94 – Leo Calls Rod Van Blair

⚠️ 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

Leo speaks with his mother on the phone about Neve’s idea to move the family to Tasmania for a year. His mother is enthusiastic, but Leo is annoyed that Neve shared this plan without his full consent. The conversation reveals Neve has already researched dates, booked a restaurant for Leo’s birthday, and hired a landscape gardener. Leo grows frustrated, suspecting Neve is orchestrating the move to prevent his predicted death at age forty-three. After the call, Leo notices a Post-it note left by Neve with the name and number of Rod Van Blair, his former best friend. This triggers a long reflection on their friendship: they met in university, lived together, and were close for over a decade until Leo drunkenly confronted Rod about his toxic girlfriend, leading to a bitter argument and a decade of estrangement. Leo has regretted the loss ever since. Despite his initial resistance, he dials Rod’s number. Rod answers, and after a tentative exchange, they reconnect. Leo remembers the brooch worn by the psychic on the plane – its symbol triggered by Rod calling him “Leopold.” The chapter ends with both men feeling the weight of lost time and relief at reconnection.

Key Events

  • Leo’s mother calls, excited about Neve’s Tasmanian plan; Leo is irritated that Neve involved her.
  • Mother mentions Priscilla’s son-in-law who took a year off work and saved his marriage.
  • Leo learns Neve has discussed specific dates and renovations with his mother.
  • Leo reflects on the Post-it note with Rod Van Blair’s number, left by Neve.
  • Leo recounts the university friendship with Rod, the argument over Rod’s girlfriend, and the decade of silence.
  • Leo calls Rod; Rod answers, recognizes his voice, and asks if Leo is dying.
  • Rod’s use of “Leopold” triggers Leo’s memory of the brooch symbol.
  • The two men share a meaningful, emotional conversation.

Character Development

  • Leo Vodnik: This chapter exposes Leo’s deep regret over his lost friendship. He acknowledges his failure to apologize and the shame that has kept him isolated. His decision to call Rod shows growth: he is willing to confront his past, even if pushed by Neve. His internal conflict about the move to Tasmania reveals his resistance to change and fear of death.
  • Rod Van Blair: Though only present via phone, Rod is characterized as forgiving and still caring. His immediate concern – “Please tell me you’re not dying” – shows he remembers their bond. Using the nickname “Leopold” proves the friendship remains significant to him.
  • Neve (off-page): Her actions reveal a pragmatic, perhaps desperate attempt to protect Leo. She leaves the note and involves his mother, demonstrating her active role in managing Leo’s emotional and physical safety.
  • Leo’s mother: She is portrayed as supportive but meddling, unaware of the underlying stress. Her mention of the gardener and bribes for the children shows her eagerness for the move.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Regret and Lost Time: The central theme. Leo’s reflection on the decade without Rod emphasizes how silence can become permanent. His relief at hearing Rod’s voice underscores the weight of not reconciling sooner.
  • Communication Breakdown: The argument that ended the friendship stemmed from a failure to communicate sensitively. Now, Leo takes a risk by calling.
  • Control and Fear of Death: Neve’s planning is an attempt to control Leo’s fate. Leo resists, feeling his autonomy is threatened. The chapter shows how the prediction colors all family decisions.
  • Memory and Triggers: Rod’s voice and the nickname “Leopold” unlock the memory of the brooch, linking past and present. For Leo, reconnecting with Rod also means confronting the psychic’s prediction.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal for Leo’s character arc. It resolves a long-standing emotional wound and sets up a potential support system (Rod) as Leo faces his predicted death. It also deepens the mystery of the brooch, connecting the psychic’s symbol to Leo’s personal history. By rekindling this friendship, Leo begins to reclaim parts of his identity he had abandoned. The chapter moves the plot forward while enriching the novel’s exploration of how relationships shape our response to mortality.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Leo feel so angry that Neve told his mother about the Tasmanian idea?
    Leo believes Neve overstepped by discussing a plan he only agreed to consider. He feels his autonomy is being eroded and sees Neve’s actions as a “marital misdemeanour.” His anger also masks his fear that the move is an attempt to escape his predicted death, which he is not ready to accept.

  2. What specific event ended Leo and Rod’s friendship, and why does Leo regret his role in it?
    At a pub, Leo drunkenly confronted Rod about his toxic girlfriend, accusing her of hurting Rod. Rod retaliated by accusing Leo of jealousy, and they argued violently. Leo regrets not apologizing the next day and recognizes that Rod needed support, not confrontation. The friendship dissolved because of pride and the passage of time.

  3. How does Rod’s use of the nickname “Leopold” affect Leo in the chapter?
    The nickname, used only by Rod, transports Leo back to their shared past and triggers a specific memory: the symbol on the psychic’s brooch. This moment of recognition ties Leo’s present crisis to his history with Rod, making their reconnection feel fated. It also reinforces that Rod holds a unique place in Leo’s life.

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