Chapter 27 (Chapter 26: Emma) Summary: Unpacking Family Neglect and Romantic Longing

⚠️ 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

Emma discusses with Maddy her persistent thoughts about a recent kiss with Justin. Maddy challenges Emma’s rationalizations about her mother Amber, pointing out a pattern of neglect. Amber visits Emma at work, but only to bring lunch for her boyfriend Neil, not for Emma. Maddy forces Emma to recognize that Amber’s interest only arises when it benefits Amber. Feeling hurt, Emma fights back tears. Justin unexpectedly arrives with a homemade lunch for Emma and Maddy, lifting her spirits. That night, Emma and Justin video call. Justin shares the overwhelming stress of parenting his siblings, and invites Emma to come over. Despite wanting to, a thunderstorm prevents her from taking the boat. They agree they wish they were together.

Key Events

Emma admits to Maddy that she cannot stop thinking about the kiss with Justin.
Amber visits the hospital with lunch for Neil, not for Emma.
Maddy confronts Emma about Amber’s consistent neglect, citing missed graduations and forgotten birthdays.
Justin surprises Emma at work with a detailed homemade lunch for both her and Maddy.
Justin and Emma share a warm hug and a promise to see each other the next day.
That night, Emma and Justin talk on the phone; Justin opens up about the logistical and emotional strain of caring for his siblings.
He invites Emma to come over, but a thunderstorm prevents her from crossing the lake.
They video call, sharing vulnerability and mutual longing.

Character Development

Emma: Still idealizes her mother despite clear evidence of neglect. Maddy’s blunt assessment forces her to confront painful truths. Her internal emotional struggle shows her deep-seated need for maternal approval. Her attraction to Justin deepens beyond physical desire; she wants his company and emotional presence.
Maddy: Continues to serve as Emma’s protective, truth-telling friend. She refuses to let Emma romanticize Amber’s behavior, and her loyalty is evident in her directness.
Justin: Reveals the heavy weight of his new responsibilities. His honesty about feeling overwhelmed and his need to see Emma show a vulnerable side. His actions—making lunch, texting, calling—demonstrate his clear prioritisation of Emma despite his stress.
Amber (Mom): Only appears briefly, but her actions reinforce Maddy’s critique. She brings lunch for Neil but not Emma, and is more concerned about whether Neil talks about her at work than about her daughter’s wellbeing.

Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

Maternal neglect: The chapter centers on Amber’s pattern of favouring Neil and using Emma as an afterthought. Maddy’s speech clarifies that Amber’s affection is conditional and performative.
Emotional labour and caregiving: Justin’s recounting of errands, medical appointments, and daily chaos highlights the unseen burden of single parenting. The motif of “death by a thousand cuts” captures cumulative stress.
Longing and connection: Emma’s recurring thoughts about the kiss and her desire to be with Justin echo a theme of emotional intimacy that transcends physical attraction. The video call scene underscores their yearning for presence.
Food as care: Justin’s carefully packed lunch contrasts with Amber’s neglectful gesture. The lunch becomes a symbol of genuine attention and love.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens two central conflicts: Emma’s unresolved relationship with her mother and her accelerating emotional investment in Justin. Maddy’s intervention forces Emma to stop rationalizing Amber’s behaviour, planting a seed for future growth. Justin’s vulnerability humanises his character and shows the real cost of his sacrifice. The chapter also marks a turning point in Emma’s romantic arc: she admits she wants Justin for more than just physical intimacy, which frightens her because it challenges her self-protective habits. The chapter ends with unresolved longing, setting the stage for their next date.

Study Questions and Answers

Question: What does Maddy say about Amber’s motivations for inviting Emma to spend time with her and Neil? Answer: Maddy argues that Amber only invites Emma when Neil is present because it makes Amber look like a caring mother. When Neil is absent, Amber rarely makes an effort.
Question: How does Justin’s description of his daily life contrast with Emma’s initial assumptions about his situation? Answer: Emma had assumed Justin’s transition to parenting his siblings would be manageable. Justin reveals a cascade of tasks—doctor visits, school costs, picky eaters, and emotional exhaustion—that shows the reality is far harder than she imagined.
Question: Why does Emma hesitate when she considers going over to Justin’s house that night, and what does this reveal about her character? Answer: Emma hesitates partly because of logistics (the boat and storm) but also because she recognizes that her desire goes beyond physical attraction. She wants to talk and be near him, which scares her because it resembles genuine emotional attachment—something she typically avoids.