Is She Really Going Out with Him?

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of substance use, illness and death, and sexual content. 

Anna cuts the number of dates she plans to go on to five. The children will choose her dates, even though she stresses they aren’t “real” dates. Ethan and Jess also want to decide where she goes on her dates, and she reluctantly agrees. The doorbell rings, and it’s her widower neighbor, Noah. Noah is angry that Anna trimmed the hedge they share between their properties. He prefers it more natural, and Anna likes it short to let in the sunlight. Anna apologizes, but Noah threatens to file a complaint with the council if she does it again.

Anna receives a text from Neil Bradshaw, Tilly’s dad, asking if she wants to meet for a “playdate” with the kids. Jess says they should go somewhere without the kids and suggests fishing since they both enjoy it. Neil immediately and enthusiastically responds yes to an offer for a kid-free date.

Neil picks up Anna for their date and asks why she got divorced. Anna silently considers all the insignificant things that contributed to the end of her marriage.