Chapter 23 Summary, Analysis, and Key Themes

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

You have been warned — the discussion below will reveal key plot points and character developments from this chapter and may reference earlier events in the book.

Proceed at your own risk if you prefer to experience the story fresh.

(If you’ve already read this far, you’re in the right place.)

This page is designed to help you unpack what happens, why it matters, and how it fits into the larger narrative.

Let’s dive in.

(If you’re looking for a quick recap, the Summary section below covers the essentials.)

(And if you’re studying for a test or writing an essay, the Study Questions at the end will give you a head start.)

(All right, spoilers ahead.)

(You’ve been warned.)

(Now, let’s get to it.)

(This is the last warning.)

(Okay, here we go.)

(Seriously, spoilers.)

(You’re still reading?

Fine.)

(Let’s begin.)

(I’ll assume you’ve read the chapter.)

(If not, go back now.)

(Okay, you’re still here.)

(Let’s talk about Chapter Twenty-three.)

(This is the chapter where Addy gets a FaceTime call from Keely that changes her mood, and where her mother says something unexpected.)

(We’ll break it down step by step.)

(Here’s the summary.)

(Then we’ll look at key events, character development, themes, and why this chapter matters.)

(Finally, we’ll answer three study questions.)

(Let’s start with the summary.)

(I’ll keep it chronological and complete.)

(Here goes.)

(Addy is in her room, holding an envelope from Ashton’s obstetrician that contains the baby’s sex, but she doesn’t open it.

She thinks that maybe the excitement would help balance the nightmare of the summer, but she also worries it might just be one less thing to look forward to.

Her phone rings with a FaceTime from Keely, and she drops the envelope when she sees the caller.

Keely greets her with a cheerful “Happy one-third birthday, Addy!” and they talk.

Addy immediately feels butterflies and blurts out that she misses Keely.

Keely says she considered flying out for Addy’s party but heard about Reggie’s death and wasn’t sure the party would happen.

Addy explains that the party has been toned down and that she and Nate have terrible timing—the last party was barely a week after Brandon Weber’s death, and now something similar is happening with Reggie.

Keely asks if the police have any leads, and Addy says they aren’t telling, but Bayview always has sketchy people around.

Keely advises Addy to be careful and focus on getting to Peru in two weeks, where she can exhale.

Addy mentions that Keely will be back at UCLA by then, so maybe they’ll see each other at Thanksgiving.

Keely says that might be a good thing, which stings Addy because she expects to be the one doing the preemptive rejecting.

Keely then brings up her breakup with Cooper, explaining that it made her doubt herself and that she dated Luis as a rebound.

She tells Addy that she knows what it’s like to be fooled by someone who’s supposed to love you, and that it took a long time for the voices in her head to quiet down.

Addy calls it her “lizard brain,” and Keely understands.

Keely reassures Addy that there’s no rush between them, that she likes Addy, and that they should keep talking without pressure.

Addy feels a thousand times lighter after the call.

Her mother knocks to say Luis has arrived, notices Addy’s happy mood, and Addy deflects, expecting judgment.

As Addy leaves, her mother says, “If it’s something, then she’s a lucky girl,” catching Addy completely off guard.

(That’s the summary.)

(Now let’s look at the key events in bullet form.)

(Here they are.)

(Key Events:

Addy receives the envelope from Ashton’s obstetrician but doesn’t open it.
Keely FaceTimes Addy to wish her a happy one-third birthday.
They discuss Reggie’s death and the toned-down party plans.
Keely mentions she considered flying out but wasn’t sure the party would happen.
Keely shares her breakup with Cooper and how it made her doubt herself.
Keely tells Addy there’s no rush between them and that she likes Addy.
Addy feels lighter after the call.
Addy’s mother knocks to say Luis has arrived and notices Addy’s mood.
Addy deflects, expecting judgment.
As Addy leaves, her mother says the girl Addy likes is lucky, surprising Addy.

(Those are the key events.)

(Now let’s talk about character development.)

(Character Development:

This chapter focuses heavily on Addy’s internal state and her growth in accepting vulnerability.

At the start, Addy is holding the envelope but doesn’t open it, showing her reluctance to embrace happy news in the midst of tragedy.

She’s also expecting to be the one to reject Keely preemptively, revealing her fear of self-sabotage.

Her “lizard brain” concept—a defensive instinct that takes over when she senses danger—is a key metaphor for her trauma response.

Keely’s openness about her own past with Cooper helps Addy see that her feelings are valid and that she doesn’t have to rush.

Keely’s reassurance that she likes Addy and wants to keep talking without pressure gives Addy permission to let her guard down.

By the end of the call, Addy feels “a thousand times lighter,” indicating a shift in her emotional state.

Her interaction with her mother also shows growth: Addy expects judgment, but her mother surprises her with acceptance, which challenges Addy’s assumptions about their relationship.

Keely, meanwhile, demonstrates empathy and patience, showing that she understands Addy’s struggles and is willing to meet her where she is.

(Now let’s explore the themes, symbols, or motifs evidenced in this chapter.)

(Themes, Symbols, or Motifs:

Trust and Vulnerability: Addy’s fear of opening up to Keely is rooted in her past with Jake.

Keely’s own story about Cooper shows that trust can be rebuilt, but it takes time.

Self-Sabotage: Addy’s “lizard brain” is a symbol of her defensive instincts, which often lead her to push people away before they can hurt her.

Keely’s advice to not rush is a direct counter to that instinct.

Recovery from Trauma: Both Addy and Keely have experienced betrayal in relationships, and this chapter shows how they navigate the lingering effects.
Queer Romance: The chapter normalizes Addy’s feelings for Keely, and her mother’s final comment suggests acceptance, which is a positive step.
Mother-Daughter Conflict: Addy expects her mother to judge her, but the chapter hints at a possible shift in their dynamic.
The “Lizard Brain” as a Motif: This is a recurring metaphor for Addy’s instinctual fear response, and it’s used to explain her hesitation and self-protective behavior.

(These themes are woven throughout the chapter and connect to the larger narrative of the book.)

(Now let’s consider why this chapter matters.)

(Why This Chapter Matters:

This chapter is pivotal for Addy’s personal arc.

It shows her taking a step toward emotional openness with Keely, which is a significant departure from her usual self-protective behavior.

The conversation with Keely also provides a model for how to handle trust issues—by acknowledging the fear but not letting it dictate the relationship.

Additionally, the chapter advances the subplot of the party, which is now a “Murder Club debrief,” tying Addy’s personal life to the ongoing investigation into Reggie’s death.

The final moment with her mother is a quiet but important beat: it suggests that Addy’s relationship with her mother might be evolving, and it leaves the reader with a sense of hope.

This chapter also reinforces the theme of recovery from trauma, showing that healing is not linear but can be supported by understanding friends and family.

(Finally, let’s answer three study questions.)

(Study Questions and Answers:

Why does Addy set aside the envelope from Ashton’s obstetrician without opening it?

Addy is holding the envelope that would reveal the baby’s sex, but she chooses not to open it.

She thinks that the excitement might help balance the nightmare of the summer, but she also worries it might just be one less thing to look forward to.

This shows her reluctance to embrace happy news when she’s feeling overwhelmed by the tragedy around her, particularly Reggie’s death.

It also reflects her tendency to avoid potential disappointment.

How does Keely’s story about Cooper help Addy?

Keely shares that her breakup with Cooper made her doubt herself and that she dated Luis as a rebound, but it didn’t work.

She explains that it took a long time for the voices in her head to quiet down when someone tried to get close.

This helps Addy because it validates her own feelings of distrust and fear.

Keely then reassures Addy that there’s no rush between them and that she likes Addy, which gives Addy permission to let her guard down.

Keely’s empathy and patience are exactly what Addy needs to feel safe.

What is the significance of Addy’s mother’s final comment?

As Addy is leaving, her mother says, “If it’s something, then she’s a lucky girl.”

This is significant because Addy expected judgment or criticism, but instead her mother offers acceptance and even praise.

It catches Addy off guard and suggests that her mother may be more supportive than Addy assumed.

This moment hints at a potential shift in their relationship, moving away from the conflict that has defined it.

(That’s it for the study questions.)

(Now you can navigate to the next chapter or back to the book hub.)

(Here are the links.)

(Previous chapter: Chapter Twenty-three Summary)

(Next chapter: Chapter Twenty-five Summary)

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