Chapter 14: Archer's Fatherly Anxieties and Parenting Wisdom

⚠️ 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

Archer calls his father from a bench behind the diner, feeling exhausted after a night spent in the hallway because Olive sleepwalked. He admits he installed childproof locks but remains terrified she might go outside. His father reassures him that parenting worries are normal and will ease with time. Archer avoids discussing his feelings for Iris, but his father senses something. After the call, Archer’s stepmother Cathi greets him enthusiastically, and he reflects on her kind but different personality. Later, Maribel informs Archer they are out of zucchini for a sandwich; he suggests substituting summer squash. When Maribel asks if something is wrong, Archer shares his sleepwalking worry, and she advises putting bells on the door to alert them. The conversation makes Archer feel lighter, just like Iris’s presence did the previous night.

Key Events

Archer calls his father to talk about Olive’s sleepwalking and his sleepless night in the hallway.
His father shares his own early parenting anxieties and reassures Archer that worrying is normal.
Archer internally admits that Iris makes him feel lighter, but he lies to his father about their relationship, saying things are “fine.”
Cathi interrupts the call, eager to meet Olive; Archer says he wants Olive to settle in first.
Maribel tells Archer they are out of zucchini; he quickly solves the problem by suggesting summer squash.
Maribel offers practical parenting advice: hang bells on the door to detect sleepwalking, sharing her own experience.
Archer feels comforted by Maribel’s advice and notes that, like with Iris last night, things feel lighter.

Character Development

Archer: Grows as a father by seeking advice and being vulnerable. He admits his exhaustion and fears, and is learning to trust his instincts and accept help from others.
Archer’s father: Depicted as a wise, supportive figure who normalizes Archer’s fears; their bond deepens as Archer sees his dad as his best friend.
Iris: Though not present, her influence is felt through Archer’s thoughts. She is a source of lightness and comfort for Archer.
Cathi: Revealed to be warm and affectionate, contrasting with Archer’s mother; she reinforces Archer’s sense of family support.
Maribel: Steps in as a mentor figure, offering practical, low-cost advice that shows her resourcefulness and understanding of parenthood.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Parental anxiety: The chapter focuses on the weight of responsibility Archer feels; his father’s and Maribel’s stories normalize these fears.
Lightness vs. heaviness: Archer contrasts the crushing weight of parenthood with the lightness he feels around Iris and after helpful conversations.
Sound as security: The motif of bells on the door symbolizes using small, clever measures to protect a child while allowing the parent some peace of mind.
Substitution and adaptation: Archer’s quick suggestion to swap zucchini for summer squash mirrors his need to adapt his personal life to new challenges.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 14 deepens Archer’s character by showing him actively struggling with the realities of single fatherhood. It also strengthens his support network—his father, Cathi, and Maribel—while continuing to build the romantic subplot with Iris through Archer’s private reflections. The chapter provides practical parenting wisdom and emphasizes that no parent has all the answers, which makes Archer more relatable and human.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Archer call his father, and what is his main concern?
Archer calls his father because he is exhausted and scared after Olive sleepwalked the night before. He spent the night sleeping in the hallway to prevent her from leaving the house.
What advice does Maribel offer about dealing with a sleepwalking child?
Maribel suggests putting bells on the door so they will hear if the child tries to open it. She used this method with her own son after pulling bells from Christmas decorations.
How does Archer’s attitude change after his conversations with his father and Maribel?
After both conversations, Archer feels “lighter.” His father’s reassurance normalizes his anxiety, and Maribel’s practical tip gives him a concrete solution, reducing his sense of helplessness.