Chapter 26 “Cliff” — Summary, Key Moments, and Analysis

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

All analysis below is grounded in the chapter's events and dialogue, paraphrased rather than quoted at length.

You can use the navigation links at the bottom to move between chapters or return to the book hub.

Happy studying!

Summary

The chapter opens with Cliff dreading the date he has agreed to with Michelle's sister, Sara. He admits Sara is attractive—perky, dimpled, and bright—but confesses he has developed an irritating attraction to a certain type: sour, controlling brunettes, a clear reference to Michelle. He can't say no to Michelle, which is why he's about to pick up her sister for dinner.

Lars calls to confirm he has reserved a table at his pizzeria and has set out flowers, despite Cliff's protests about making it a big deal. Cliff knows the entire town of Copper Run will see them, gossip, and ask questions for days. He reflects that when he asked Sara out, his only thought was that it would make Michelle happy.

Cliff then recalls his dating history: his only two first dates were at sixteen, when his parents drove him and Tracy to the theater (a date that led to Emily's conception a few weeks later), and one month after his divorce, when a woman he met in Burlington talked about wanting children of her own and the date fizzled out without a second call from either side.

At home, Emily and Carol notice his outfit. Emily wins a bet with Carol after learning Cliff is going on a date—she'd wagered he and Michelle were involved, though she clarifies she meant dating, not what Cliff initially assumed. Carol criticizes his brown boots as