Death Row

With a voice hoarse from disuse, Talia implores Rhea to stop so that she can get a better look at the man she believes to be Noel. Knowing how unbelievable she will sound, she nonetheless tells Rhea that the man in the waiting room looks like her husband. Incredulous, Rhea reminds Talia that she is incarcerated for murdering her husband and ushers her back to her room. Talia allows Rhea to lead her back to her cell, but for the rest of the night, all she can think about is the man.

Talia is feeling drunk after consuming three glasses of wine at a party she and Noel are throwing—the first one they have hosted in nearly a year. Talia reflects on how busy Noel has been since getting a job at a pharmaceutical company after finishing his postdoc.

Despite some of the hardships of the last year, Talia is grateful to host the party, and she pours herself another drink. Her best friend, Kinsey, sidles up to the table, accusing her of slurring her words and stating that Talia must not be “knocked up yet” (30) based on her alcohol consumption. Talia tells her that Noel has been talking about trying for a baby with more urgency, but that his work schedule keeps him away from home so much that Talia still has doubts about whether they are ready.