Chapter 26 Summary and Study Guide

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with the family settling the financial logistics of Maddie's father's funeral. The total bill comes to six thousand pounds, and it is quickly agreed that Maddie will contribute three thousand—a sum that completely empties her savings account. Her mother and James each manage one thousand, while Uncle Freddie and Auntie Mabel contribute one thousand combined. Maddie is visibly upset at losing her financial safety net, crying over the money before wiping her face and returning to folding laundry. She reasons that since it's her dad and she has the money, there's nothing else to be done.

James calls to apologize for not being able to give more, saying he thought he'd have more time to help their father. Maddie cuts the conversation short, reflecting that apologies only benefit the person giving them—they get a clear conscience while she gets hollow words that change nothing.

Shortly after, someone knocks on the door. Maddie discovers she's home alone and answers to find Sam, Jo's ex-boyfriend, standing outside. He introduces himself with a laugh, and Maddie awkwardly stumbles over calling him