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The book tells the story of Phoebe, a woman who arrives at the Cornwall Inn, a grand hotel on the edge of a cliff, with the intention of ending her life. However, her plans are disrupted by the hotel's wedding reception, and she meets the bride, Lila, who is excited and cheerful, but also struggling with her own doubts and fears. As Phoebe navigates the hotel and its guests, she forms connections with Lila, Gary, the groom, and other characters, including Gary's daughter Juice and his sister Marla. Through her interactions with these characters, Phoebe begins to confront her own emotions and struggles, including her failed marriage, her feelings of sadness and disconnection, and her attempts to find a new sense of purpose and direction in her life. As the story unfolds, Phoebe becomes increasingly embroiled in the complexities of Lila and Gary's relationship, and ultimately helps Lila to call off the wedding. The book explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning and connection in life. Throughout the story, Phoebe's character undergoes significant development, as she moves from a place of despair and hopelessness to one of newfound hope and liberation. The book concludes with Phoebe leaving the hotel, ready to start a new chapter in her life, potentially as a winter keeper at a mansion, and to pursue her passion for writing.
The scene is set on a Tuesday, where an opening reception is taking place, marking the beginning of an event or gathering, but the details of what the reception entails or the purpose of the event are not yet elaborated upon.
Phoebe arrives at the Cornwall Inn, a grand hotel on the edge of a cliff, where she had envisioned her "happy place". However, upon arrival, she finds the hotel filled with guests attending a wedding, which disrupts her plans. As she checks in, she meets the bride, Lila, who is excited and cheerful, but their encounter takes a dark turn when Phoebe reveals her intention to end her life in the hotel room. The bride, feeling her wedding week is being ruined, begs Phoebe not to go through with it, but Phoebe is resolute. Despite the bride's attempts to dissuade her, Phoebe remains determined, feeling that her decision has nothing to do with the bride or her wedding. As Phoebe settles into her room, she reflects on her past, her marriage, and her feelings of sadness and disconnection, which have led her to this point. The chapter ends with Phoebe alone in her room, sipping the bride's gift of German chocolate wine, and preparing for her final act.
The chapter delves into Phoebe's past, exploring her relationship with her husband Matt, and the struggles they faced with infertility. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, showing how Phoebe and Matt's relationship evolved from a romantic and fun partnership to a strained and distant one. Phoebe's feelings of disconnection and sadness are palpable as she reflects on her failed attempts to get pregnant, her stagnant career as an adjunct professor, and her husband's growing success. The chapter also touches on Phoebe's fascination with fairy tales and her research on the dead mothers in these stories, which serves as a metaphor for her own experiences with loss and disappointment. Meanwhile, Matt's character is revealed to be increasingly distant and preoccupied with his own pursuits, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that he is in love with another woman, Mia, and decides to leave Phoebe. The chapter ends with Phoebe reeling from the news, her world turned upside down by the sudden collapse of her marriage.
Phoebe's story continues as she settles into her hotel room, determined to end her life. She pours herself a glass of wine and opens the drapes to gaze out at the ocean, which she has never seen before. However, her plans for a decadent last meal are thwarted when she discovers that room service is unavailable due to the wedding reception. Phoebe's thoughts drift back to her recent past, where she recalls a painful encounter with her husband's new lover, Mia, at her university office. The confrontation ends with Mia admitting that she loves Phoebe's husband and has no regrets about their affair, except for damaging their friendship. Phoebe's memories also include a disastrous teaching experience, a failing therapy session, and the loss of her cat, Harry. As she reflects on her life, Phoebe finds solace in the idea of death as a circular and beautiful process, much like the endings of her favorite literary works. With a sense of resignation, she prepares to carry out her plan, surrounded by the serene view of the ocean.
Phoebe attempts to relax in her hotel room, but the sounds of the wedding reception and her own anxiety make it difficult. She tries to distract herself by smoking a cigarette on the balcony, but the bride, Lila, interrupts her, complaining about the smoking and the fact that Phoebe has a better balcony view than she does. The two women engage in a conversation, during which Lila shares details about her life, including her job at an art gallery, her fiancé Gary, and her complicated relationships with her family members. Phoebe finds herself drawn into Lila's stories and begins to open up about her own life, including her failed marriage and her feelings of sadness and disconnection. Despite their differences, the two women form a connection, and Phoebe finds herself laughing and feeling a sense of camaraderie with Lila. However, their conversation is interrupted by Lila's need to return to her wedding reception, and Phoebe is left alone once again to contemplate her own mortality.
Phoebe's plan to end her life is put into action as she takes the pills, but her thoughts are distracted by the sounds of the wedding reception and her conversation with Pauline, the property manager. As the pills start to take effect, Phoebe feels a wave of exhaustion and begins to question her decision. She is drawn back to the balcony, where she listens to the mother of the bride's speech, which initially hurts Lila but eventually takes a turn to praise her uniqueness. Phoebe finds herself invested in the speech and wants to hear the rest, realizing she doesn't want to die. In a desperate attempt to undo her actions, Phoebe rushes to the bathroom and induces vomiting, trying to expel the pills from her system. Exhausted, she falls asleep on the bathroom floor, listening to the rest of the speeches and toasts from the wedding reception.
The story continues with Phoebe waking up on the bathroom floor, still reeling from her attempt to end her life and her subsequent change of heart. She manages to clean herself up and begins to feel a sense of relief and newfound hope. As she looks out at the ocean, she notices a sailing boat and becomes fixated on it, feeling an inexplicable sense of connection to the vessel and its movement. Phoebe decides to take a walk along the shore, where she meets a sailor who offers to take her out on his boat. As they sail across the water, Phoebe feels a sense of freedom and peace that she hasn't experienced in a long time. The sailor, who remains unnamed, shares stories about his life and his love for the ocean, and Phoebe finds herself opening up to him about her own struggles and desires. The sailing trip becomes a therapeutic experience for Phoebe, allowing her to confront her emotions and gain a new perspective on her life. As the day comes to a close, Phoebe returns to the hotel, feeling more grounded and determined to rediscover herself and find a new sense of purpose.
Phoebe wakes up in her hotel room, feeling alive and relieved after her failed attempt to end her life. She decides to take small steps towards rediscovering herself, starting with simple tasks like brushing her teeth and taking a bath. However, when she discovers that the hotel's bathtub doesn't have a drain stopper, she decides to use the hot tub instead. There, she meets a mysterious and handsome man who is also a guest at the hotel. They strike up a conversation, and Phoebe finds herself opening up to him about her life, her marriage, and her struggles. The man is charming and honest, and Phoebe feels a connection with him. As they talk, Phoebe begins to confront her emotions and gains a new perspective on her life. She even considers the possibility of a new relationship, but the man reveals that he is already with someone. Despite this, Phoebe feels a sense of liberation and freedom, and she decides to take control of her life. She starts by reading a book that she had never finished, "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf, and begins to explore the hotel and its surroundings. Throughout the chapter, Phoebe's inner monologue reveals her thoughts and feelings about her life, her relationships, and her struggles, and she starts to see herself and her place in the world in a new light.
The story delves into the past, revealing the early days of Phoebe and Matt's relationship. They met in a graduate computer lab, where they spent months working on their dissertations in silence, until a power outage broke the ice. As they talked, they discovered a deep connection, bonding over their shared struggles and sense of humor. Their conversations flowed easily, and they found themselves lost in discussions about everything from US presidents to Virginia Woolf. As they spent more time together, Phoebe felt seen and understood by Matt, who had a charming and calming presence. After finishing their dissertations, they spent a carefree summer together, exploring the city and enjoying each other's company. As the fall semester began, they navigated the challenges of their careers, with Phoebe struggling to find her footing as an adjunct professor and Matt thriving in his new role. Their relationship deepened, and Matt proposed to Phoebe in a casual, intimate moment during a solar eclipse, leaving her stunned and touched by the simplicity and sincerity of his gesture.
Phoebe is awakened by a knock on her door from Lila, the bride, who walks in and starts talking about her hat and plans for sailing. Phoebe is surprised by Lila's lack of concern for her well-being, but instead of being annoyed, she finds it to be a relief. The two women engage in a conversation, and Phoebe starts to open up about her life. Lila invites Phoebe to join her sailing trip, and despite initial hesitation, Phoebe agrees. Lila offers to lend Phoebe some clothes and has already taken care of booking the room for the week. Phoebe starts to feel a sense of unpredictability and excitement about her life, and she begins to prepare for the sailing trip by showering, brushing her hair, and getting dressed in the clothes Lila provided. As she gets ready, Phoebe reflects on the unpredictability of life and how things can change in an instant, and she starts to feel a sense of hope and new beginnings.
Phoebe meets Lila's group of friends and family, including her fiancé Gary, as they prepare to set sail on a boat. The group is introduced, and Phoebe learns about their various backgrounds and specialties. As they drive to the wharf, they engage in conversations about their lives, relationships, and experiences. Marla, Gary's sister, receives explicit messages from someone named Robert, which Phoebe accidentally sees. At the wharf, they meet Gary, who is revealed to be the man Phoebe met in the hot tub earlier. The group's dynamics are tense, and Phoebe finds herself feeling like an outsider. However, when Gary's daughter, Juice, becomes upset about the death of her virtual dog, Phoebe steps in to comfort her and suggests having a funeral for the dog on the boat. The chapter ends with the group preparing to set sail, and Phoebe feeling a sense of connection to Juice and a desire to help her cope with her loss.
The story takes a lighter turn as Phoebe joins Lila's group of friends and family on a sailing trip. The group's dynamics are tense at times, particularly with Marla, Gary's sister, who is a lawyer and often finds herself at odds with the others. Despite this, Phoebe finds herself feeling a sense of connection to the group, especially to Gary and his daughter Juice. As they sail, they engage in conversations about their lives, relationships, and experiences. Phoebe also helps Juice with a funeral for her virtual dog, Human Princess, which becomes a poignant moment for both of them. Throughout the trip, Phoebe reflects on her own life, her marriage, and her struggles with depression and feelings of disconnection. She begins to see the world in a new light and feels a sense of relief and freedom. As the day comes to a close, the group returns to the wharf, and Phoebe is hesitant to leave the moment behind, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging among these new people.
Phoebe returns to the hotel after a sailing trip with Lila's group, where she begins to feel a sense of connection to the people around her. Back at the hotel, she encounters Lila, who is complaining about the mattress in her room, and Gary, who surprises Phoebe by being more laid-back and humorous than she expected. As they talk, Phoebe finds herself opening up to Gary about her life and feelings, and they share a moment of connection. Later, Phoebe reflects on her past and her struggles with depression, and she begins to see herself and her place in the world in a new light. She also starts to develop feelings for Gary, but acknowledges that he is already taken. Meanwhile, Lila's true personality is revealed as she talks to Phoebe about her frustrations and insecurities, and Phoebe agrees to be her maid of honor after her original maid of honor cancels. As Phoebe prepares for the bridal brunch, she starts to feel a sense of excitement and belonging, and she begins to see the world as a more hopeful and beautiful place.
The day begins with Phoebe attending the bridal brunch as Lila's maid of honor, where she meets the rest of the bridesmaids and engages in conversations about their lives and relationships. The atmosphere is lively, with the group discussing everything from sex to marriage, and Phoebe finds herself feeling more connected to the women. After the brunch, the group heads out for a bachelorette party, which includes a series of fun and unpredictable activities. As the party progresses, Phoebe's feelings for Gary continue to grow, but she tries to push them aside, knowing he is already taken. Meanwhile, Lila's insecurities and frustrations are revealed as she struggles with the pressures of her upcoming wedding. The chapter ends with the bachelorette party in full swing, and Phoebe feeling a sense of joy and freedom as she lets loose and has fun with her new friends.
Phoebe wakes up at sunrise, feeling an urgency to touch the ocean, and heads out to the Cliff Walk. She encounters a fisherman and his dog, and they have a profound moment together as she helps him catch a sea robin, which she then releases back into the water. As she walks back to the hotel, she reflects on her life, her marriage, and her struggles with depression. She meets Gary, who is concerned about her well-being, and they have a heartfelt conversation about their lives, relationships, and losses. Phoebe opens up to Gary about her attempts to get pregnant and her husband's infidelity. Gary shares his own story of loss, having lost his wife, and Phoebe is touched by his vulnerability. They head back to the hotel, where Phoebe is supposed to attend the bridal brunch as the maid of honor. At the brunch, Phoebe is introduced to the rest of the bridesmaids and engages in conversations about their lives and relationships. The atmosphere is lively, and Phoebe finds herself feeling more connected to the women. Lila assigns Phoebe tasks, including taking Juice to get open-toed shoes and finding compostable dick-themed flatware for the bachelorette party. Phoebe embarks on these tasks, feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility as the maid of honor.
Phoebe spends the day with Juice, Gary's daughter, on an errand to buy open-toed shoes for the wedding. As they drive and walk around, they engage in conversations about their lives, relationships, and experiences. Phoebe reflects on her past, including her marriage and her husband's infidelity, and shares some of these stories with Juice. The two develop a connection, and Phoebe finds herself feeling more at ease and liberated. They visit various boutiques, and Phoebe tries on dresses and buys a few, including a form-fitting plum-colored dress. Juice opens up to Phoebe about her feelings towards her future stepmother, Lila, and her own mother, who passed away. Phoebe offers words of wisdom and encouragement, and they bond over their shared sense of humor. After their shopping trip, Phoebe visits a sex shop to buy dick-themed flatware for the bachelorette party and is surprised by how normal the experience is. Later, she meets up with Juice at an animal shelter, where Juice has found a dog she wants to adopt, and Phoebe ends up holding the dog and considering the possibility of keeping it.
Phoebe visits Patricia, Lila's mother, to return a borrowed outfit and ends up staying for a drink. Patricia shares stories about her life, including her marriage to Henry, the "Trash King of Rhode Island," and how she felt when he passed away. She also talks about her complicated relationship with Lila, who she feels has always been attracted to older men and is now engaged to Gary. Patricia expresses her concerns that Lila is trying to replace her father with Gary and that she doesn't truly love him. As they drink and talk, Phoebe finds herself connecting with Patricia and feeling a sense of understanding and empathy towards her. Patricia reflects on how getting older is not about narrowing down one's personality, but about moving on and saying goodbye to who you thought you were. She demonstrates this by getting rid of an old sweater that her husband used to like, symbolizing her newfound freedom to be herself. The conversation is a poignant and introspective exploration of love, loss, and identity.
The chapter revolves around the events of Lila's bachelorette party, where Phoebe and the other bridesmaids participate in a "water journey" at a spa, followed by a sex workshop with a woman known as the "Sex Woman" who specializes in panda mating. The Sex Woman's unorthodox methods and stories about pandas lead to some uncomfortable and humorous moments, but also spark meaningful conversations among the women about their desires and relationships. Meanwhile, Phoebe forms a connection with Gary, the groom, and they have a deep and honest conversation about their lives, relationships, and losses. Lila, on the other hand, confesses to Phoebe that she doesn't want to marry Gary, and Phoebe promises to support her in telling the truth to everyone. As the night unfolds, Lila's secrets and doubts about her upcoming wedding are revealed, and Phoebe finds herself drawn to Gary's vulnerability and honesty. The chapter ends with Phoebe and Gary sharing a moment of tenderness and understanding, as they both navigate their own complexities and uncertainties.
The story unfolds as the families of Lila and Gary come together for a rehearsal dinner, marking the blending of their families. Phoebe, still reeling from Lila's confession about not wanting to marry Gary, navigates the complex emotions and relationships within the group. As they gather for dinner, tensions rise, and Phoebe finds herself at the center of the drama, trying to support Lila while also being drawn to Gary's vulnerability. The evening is filled with awkward conversations, heartfelt moments, and unexpected revelations, ultimately leading to a turning point in the story where secrets are exposed, and the truth about Lila's feelings is revealed to the rest of the group.
Phoebe wakes up to Lila, who is hungover and unenthusiastic about the planned surfing activity. Lila confesses that she never wanted to surf and only planned it because Juice asked for it. Phoebe agrees to go surfing in Lila's place and meets Gary and Juice at the beach. They struggle to put on their wet suits, but eventually, they begin their surfing lesson. Phoebe is surprised by how much she enjoys the experience, despite falling off the board multiple times. After the lesson, they go to a restaurant, Flo's, and have a lively and joyful time together. As they leave the restaurant, Phoebe feels a sense of connection with Gary and Juice, but is also aware that their time together is limited. They make a trip to CVS, where Phoebe picks up some Gas-X, and Juice buys a sleep mask. As they walk out of the store, Phoebe catches a glimpse of themselves on the security TV and is struck by the ordinariness and beauty of the moment they are sharing together.
Phoebe expects Lila to visit her before the Blending of the Families, but Lila doesn't show up. Instead, Phoebe meets Jim, the best man, at the bar, and they work on their speeches together. Jim shares his story of how he met Lila before Gary did, and how he had feelings for her but didn't pursue them because he thought Gary needed her more. Phoebe and Jim bond over their conversations and decide to use edibles to help with their writer's block. As they wait for the effects to kick in, Jim reveals more about his past and his feelings for Lila. Phoebe listens intently and begins to see the complexities of the relationships between Jim, Lila, and Gary. As the night progresses, Phoebe and Jim hear the sounds of Lila getting ready for bed in her room, and Phoebe becomes fascinated by the mundane noises. She finds a folded-up credit card from 1991 under Jim's bed, which sparks her curiosity. Eventually, Jim tells Phoebe she can stay in his room, and she decides to write her speech. After completing it, Phoebe feels a sense of accomplishment and begins to explore possibilities for her future, including finding a new job and a place to live. She comes across an interesting job posting for a "winter keeper" at a mansion on Ocean Drive and decides to message the owner, Geoffrey, about the opportunity.
The story unfolds as the rehearsal dinner takes place, bringing together the families of Lila and Gary in a complex web of emotions and relationships. Phoebe, still grappling with Lila's confession about not wanting to marry Gary, navigates the tense atmosphere, trying to support her friend while also being drawn to Gary's vulnerability. As the evening progresses, secrets and tensions rise to the surface, leading to a dramatic turning point where the truth about Lila's feelings is finally revealed to the rest of the group, forcing everyone to confront their own emotions and uncertainties. The rehearsal dinner becomes a catalyst for change, setting the stage for a dramatic and potentially life-altering weekend.
Phoebe spends the day with Gary, running errands for his upcoming wedding, including picking up liquor and getting a haircut. As they spend more time together, Phoebe finds herself drawn to Gary and struggles with her feelings, knowing he is getting married the next day. Gary also confesses his own feelings to Phoebe, telling her he feels a strong connection to her and has been thinking about her nonstop. Despite the intimacy of the moment, Phoebe ultimately decides not to pursue anything with Gary, recognizing her loyalty to his fiancée, Lila, and the fact that Gary's wedding is imminent. As the day comes to a close, Phoebe returns to the hotel, feeling a sense of grief and depression wash over her, and prepares to fulfill her duties as maid of honor at the rehearsal dinner. Meanwhile, Phoebe also receives an update on a potential new job opportunity as a winter keeper at a mansion, which could mark a significant change in her life.
The chapter revolves around the rehearsal dinner for Lila and Gary's wedding, where Phoebe, as the maid of honor, navigates the complex web of relationships and emotions within the group. The evening is filled with tension, humor, and unexpected revelations, including Jim's heartfelt and emotional best man speech, which exposes Lila's true feelings andGary's vulnerability. Meanwhile, Phoebe finds herself drawn to Jim and Gary, and her conversations with them reveal deeper connections and understanding. As the night progresses, Lila's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and the group's dynamics become more strained. The chapter culminates with Juice, Gary's daughter, vomiting and becoming emotional, and Phoebe taking care of her, sharing a moment of connection and understanding. The chapter ends with Gary expressing his doubts about the wedding, and Phoebe's husband arriving at the hotel, looking for her.
Phoebe's husband, Matt, arrives at the hotel, revealing that he has been searching for her everywhere after she disappeared without a word. Phoebe is torn between her feelings of anger and hatred towards Matt, who had left her for another woman, Mia, and a sense of nostalgia and familiarity that comes with seeing him again. As they talk, Matt apologizes for his past mistakes and expresses his desire to try again, but Phoebe is unsure if she can forgive him and move forward. Despite her initial reluctance, Phoebe finds herself softening towards Matt, and they share a moment of intimacy, but she is also aware of her growing feelings for Gary, the groom whose wedding she is attending. The chapter explores the complexities of Phoebe's emotions and relationships, as she navigates her past, present, and future, and grapples with the question of what she truly wants and deserves.
The day of Lila and Gary's wedding has finally arrived, and Phoebe is expected to fulfill her duties as the maid of honor. However, the atmosphere is tense, and the events of the previous day have left everyone on edge. As the ceremony approaches, Lila's doubts and fears about the marriage come to the forefront, and she confesses to Phoebe that she doesn't want to go through with the wedding. Phoebe is faced with a difficult decision, torn between her loyalty to Lila and her duty to support the wedding. Meanwhile, Gary is unaware of Lila's change of heart, and the guests are gathered, awaiting the start of the ceremony. As the story unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their true feelings and make difficult choices, leading to a dramatic and unexpected conclusion to the wedding day. Phoebe's own emotional journey also comes to a head, as she navigates her feelings about her past, her relationships, and her future, ultimately finding a sense of clarity and resolution.
The day of Lila's wedding has arrived, and Phoebe is getting ready to fulfill her duties as the maid of honor. However, as she helps Lila prepare, she senses that something is off. Lila is calm and serene, but Phoebe can't shake the feeling that she's made a mistake. When they discover that the wedding car is not the vintage model Lila wanted, she becomes upset and eventually confesses to Phoebe that she doesn't want to marry Gary. Phoebe tries to reassure her, but Lila is resolute, and with Phoebe's support, she decides to call off the wedding. Together, they come up with a plan for Lila to escape the wedding and start fresh. As they say their goodbyes, Phoebe reflects on the past week and how it has changed her. She realizes that she has found new reasons to live and that she will always be grateful to Lila for giving her a reason to get up in the morning.
Phoebe takes the Mercedes to the Breakers, where she informs Gary that Lila is not coming to the wedding. She then announces to the guests that the wedding is canceled, and Lila thanks them for their support. As the crowd disperses, Phoebe's husband Matt appears, and they get into the car together. However, Phoebe tells Matt that she's not going back to St. Louis with him, and they have a calm and reasonable conversation about their separation. Matt asks her about her plans, and Phoebe shares her desire to take medical leave, sell their house, and live in a nineteenth-century mansion to write. They laugh and joke together, and Matt eventually breaks down in tears. Phoebe comforts him, and they share a moment of tenderness, toasting to his first adult cry unrelated to sports with the leftover champagne from the wedding.
The atmosphere at the Cornwall hotel has changed significantly after the wedding was called off, with an eerie quietness and a sense of unease. Phoebe, who had grown attached to the hotel, wants to stay but is informed by Pauline that there are no more rooms available due to another wedding starting the next day. Phoebe is disappointed and feels a sense of loss, but she begins to focus on her own future, including a potential new job as a winter keeper at a mansion. She spends the evening writing and analyzing literary texts, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. As she writes, she thinks about Gary and wonders how he is doing after the cancelled wedding, but she doesn't reach out to him. Instead, she immerses herself in her writing, feeling energized and unsure of what she is creating, but eager to continue.
The story takes place on Monday, where Phoebe is expected to attend the wedding brunch, but since the wedding was called off, the event takes on a different tone. Phoebe wakes up feeling a sense of freedom and liberation after the events of the previous day. She attends the brunch, which is now more of a gathering for the guests who were supposed to attend the wedding. The atmosphere is relaxed, and Phoebe finds herself enjoying the company of the people around her, including Gary and his daughter Juice. As they eat and converse, Phoebe reflects on the past week and how it has changed her. She realizes that she has formed meaningful connections with the people she met, particularly Gary and Lila, and that she has found a new sense of purpose and direction in her life. The chapter ends with Phoebe feeling hopeful and excited about her future, as she prepares to embark on a new journey, potentially as a winter keeper at a mansion, and to pursue her passion for writing.
The chapter begins with Marla eating the wedding brunch in the conservatory, despite the wedding being called off. Phoebe joins her and they discuss the food and the cancelled wedding. The story then shifts to Phoebe attending the brunch with the other guests, where they share stories about Gary's past. Phoebe eventually leaves to buy a suitcase and returns to the hotel, where she finds Gary in the hot tub with his daughter Juice and sister Marla. They have a conversation about Gary's feelings and his recent experiences, including his cancelled wedding and his thoughts on butterflies and flies. Phoebe and Gary bond over their shared sense of humor and weird thoughts. The chapter also explores Phoebe's reflections on her own life, her marriage, and her decision to become a winter keeper at a mansion. The story concludes with Phoebe packing her suitcase, saying goodbye to Pauline, and leaving the hotel, feeling a sense of uncertainty and excitement about her future. She shares a moment with Gary, and they exchange numbers, with Gary telling Phoebe to call him if she sees a ghost. The chapter ends with Phoebe walking out of the hotel, ready to start her new life.