Chapter 31: Wood — Summary, Analysis & Key Takeaways
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Chapter 31: Wood – Summary and Analysis
Summary
Chapter 31 is written as a letter from the wife to her husband, Adam, dated 28th February 2013, their fifth wedding anniversary. The letter is a reflective and emotional account of the day, beginning with an apology for her recent jealousy and a candid discussion of their struggles with infertility. She explains that after a failed round of IVF, she has accepted that she will not have children, and she now treats their dog Bob as a surrogate child. She also mentions her work at a dogs' home, where she has received a promotion that, while not financially significant, gives her a sense of recognition and self-worth.
The wife recalls a row from the previous week. Adam came home drunk and late, having spent the evening with October O'Brien, a young, award-winning actress who had fallen in love with his screenplay Rock Paper Scissors. The wife admits to feeling jealous after Googling October and seeing how beautiful she was. The argument escalated when Adam criticised the wife's career choices, suggesting she was too scared to leave her job. The wife felt hurt and believed her ambition had been sacrificed for Adam's dreams. They made up, and the anniversary morning seemed to promise a fresh start.
On the morning of the anniversary, Adam brought her breakfast in bed, a rare gesture that immediately made her suspicious. He then announced he needed to see his agent about the screenplay, despite their agreement to spend the day together. He gave her a single matinee ticket for a show she had wanted to see for months, and she gave him her wooden anniversary gift: a ruler inscribed with a pun about five years of marriage. Adam then blindfolded her and led her outside, revealing a newly planted magnolia tree in the lawn. She was initially unimpressed by the leafless, ugly tree, but she appreciated the sentiment. He left shortly after to see his agent.
The wife went to the theatre, but the matinee was cancelled due to a fire alarm. She returned home early, drenched by rain, and found October O'Brien in the kitchen with Adam, drinking wine. October explained that she had insisted on cooking the couple an anniversary meal as a surprise, having learned that Adam had never cooked for his wife. The wife, initially shocked and intimidated, decided to stay and join them. The evening turned out to be pleasant, with October proving to be charming, modest, and kind. The wife realised that celebrities are just ordinary people. After October left, Adam reassured her that she was his