Chapter 35 – The Breather and a Fresh Start

⚠️ 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 the morning after Felix has left for a “breather.” Lucy feels numb but is overwhelmed by memories of their time together on Prince Edward Island and the past year. She texts Bridget, who arrives that evening with ice cream. Lucy explains that while Felix used the word “breather,” she agrees it was a mutual decision; she admits she needs time to stop running from her problems, both professionally and personally. Bridget shares that her mother Christine gave Felix an earful about the idea of breathers. Later, alone, Lucy resolves to become her own safety net for In Bloom rather than relying on Bridget. The next day, Farah brings coffee and notices Lucy looks terrible. Lucy finally opens up and tells Farah everything about her summers with Felix, ending the secrecy that has weighed on her.

Key Events

Lucy wakes alone, flooded with vivid memories of Felix spanning their entire relationship.
She invites Bridget over and confesses the details of the breather.
Lucy admits she has been using running away as a coping mechanism and needs space to figure out what she wants.
Bridget reveals Christine’s disapproval, which gives Lucy some comfort.
Lucy decides she must take responsibility for the flower shop and stop depending on Bridget as her professional safety net.
The next day, Farah brings coffee and senses Lucy’s distress; Lucy tells her the full story from the very first summer.

Character Development

Lucy: Takes a major step toward emotional honesty. She acknowledges her pattern of fleeing (to PEI, into work) and chooses to stay and face her problems. Her willingness to share her secret with Farah shows growth and a desire to stop hiding.
Bridget: Acts as a steady, nonjudgmental listener. She reinforces that Lucy’s need for self-reflection is healthy and hints that Felix is not truly breaking up with her.
Farah: Perceptive and cheeky (“You look like an anal gland”), she creates a safe space for Lucy to confide. Her reaction encourages Lucy to finally unburden herself.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Running vs. staying: The breather forces Lucy to examine her instinct to escape. The memory of Teacup Rock—washed away by a hurricane—symbolizes how things can slip away if she does not act.
Self-reliance: Lucy’s resolve to be her own safety net for In Bloom marks a shift away from dependence on Bridget.
Secrecy and confession: By telling Farah the entire truth, Lucy breaks a long-held silence, a key step toward healing.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point. Lucy stops running and begins to confront the parts of her life she has avoided: her fear of commitment, her avoidance of difficult emotions, and her overreliance on her best friend. The breather—which could have been a step toward a breakup—becomes an opportunity for self-examination. Lucy’s decision to confide in Farah also ends the isolation that has kept her from forming deeper connections. The chapter sets up a new phase of the story where Lucy must choose the life she really wants.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Lucy agree to a breather with Felix?
Lucy recognizes that she has been using running away as a default response to difficulty. She admits that a relationship right now would feel impossible because her work is suffering and she would likely ignore Felix the way she ignored Carter. She needs time to focus on her own needs instead of fleeing to PEI.
How does Bridget support Lucy in this chapter?
Bridget listens without criticism, brings ice cream as a comfort gesture, offers a reality check about Felix’s intentions, and shares that her mother Christine disapproved of the breather—which makes Lucy feel vindicated. She also reaffirms that taking time for self-reflection is a good idea.
What decision does Lucy make regarding In Bloom, and why is it significant?
After Bridget leaves, Lucy remembers her offer to keep helping with the flower shop. Lucy decides she should be her own safety net rather than rely on Bridget forever. This decision signals her growing independence and willingness to face her career challenges head-on instead of postponing them.