Chapter 39 (Chapter 38) Summary: The Hospital Lie and a New Commitment
⚠️ 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
Sydney sits alone at a restaurant table while Tom uses the bathroom. She pulls out her phone and searches for Thomas Brewer, finding only one result—a Mount Sinai Hospital profile. She remembers Tom previously saying he worked at NYU, a hospital nowhere near his claimed location. After Tom returns, they order food, but Sydney has lost her appetite. She casually asks which hospital he works at; Tom immediately says Mount Sinai. When she presses that she thought he said NYU, Tom admits he used to work there and recently switched, possibly misspeaking earlier. Sydney also notices he has no Cynch dating profile. Tom deflects her questions with humor, then proposes that they both delete their dating apps and see each other exclusively. Surprised but pleased, Sydney agrees. The chapter ends with her thinking she finally has a boyfriend.
Key Events
- Sydney searches Thomas Brewer online and finds only a Mount Sinai profile, not NYU.
- She confronts Tom about the hospital discrepancy; he says he recently switched and may have misspoken.
- Sydney asks why Tom has no Cynch profile; he jokes about not liking dating apps.
- Tom suggests both of them delete their dating apps and become exclusive.
- Sydney accepts the proposal, choosing to overlook the earlier red flags.
Character Development
Sydney shows her investigative side by searching for Tom online, but her desire for a real relationship overrides her caution. She consciously decides to trust him despite lingering unease. Tom remains charming and quick on his feet, deflecting Sydney’s questions with humor and a romantic gesture. His proposal marks a shift from casual dating to a deeper commitment, though it conveniently distracts from her concerns.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Deception vs. Trust: The hospital discrepancy symbolizes the tension between what people say and what is true. Sydney’s choice to trust Tom despite the inconsistency highlights the fragility of early-stage relationships.
- Identity and Online Presence: Tom’s lack of social media profiles contrasts with his polished hospital bio, suggesting he carefully crafts his public image.
- Commitment as a Distraction: Tom’s exclusivity offer functions as a way to shut down further questioning, a pattern that will recur.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point. Sydney consciously decides to ignore logical red flags in favor of emotional fulfillment. Her choice sets the stage for potential future revelations about Tom’s past. It also deepens the central mystery: is Tom who he claims to be?
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Sydney decide to overlook Tom’s workplace discrepancy? She rationalizes that he may have simply misspoken or recently switched hospitals, and she prefers to believe the compliment from the grieving widow who vouched for his character. Her desire for a committed relationship overrides her skepticism.
2. How does Tom’s response to her questioning reveal his character? Tom remains calm and charming, turning the conversation toward a romantic proposal. He avoids defensiveness and instead reframes the issue as a chance to deepen their bond, which shows both his social skill and his ability to deflect suspicion.
3. What role does the internet play in Sydney’s investigation and ultimate decision? The internet provides Sydney with hard evidence (the Mount Sinai profile) but also fails to give a complete picture (no social media). Her limited search makes her question reality, yet she chooses to trust Tom based on in-person feelings rather than digital proof.