Out of the Woods

In the present, it is pouring rain when Sarah and Caleb arrive at the meeting place for the Reignite retreat. Sarah banters nervously with Caleb about what life will be like without the ability to use search engines for movie titles or actors’ names. Caleb gently reaches for her face, confessing his love and assuring her that he is happy to be with her on the trip. Sarah is struck, realizing how long it has been since Caleb has told her this with real intent. She wonders if they can repair their rift with more time together, instead of a drastic intervention.

However, her good mood shifts quickly when Caleb tells her, “[I]f this is what we need to do to get you out of your rut, then I’m happy to do it” (68). She is concerned that he has presented her as the only obstacle to their future happiness. Caleb assures her he did not mean to dismiss his role in their marriage issues.

In the past, Sarah’s high school guidance counselor takes her aside to explain that her short story has been selected for a province-wide contest, with a cash prize and a meeting with one of her favorite authors, Cecilia Floodgate.

Sarah arrives home and finds her mother in bed due to fatigue—at this stage, Marcie is still seeking a diagnosis. Sarah excitedly tells her about the writing contest. Marcie explains that Sarah’s grandmother hoped someone in their family would have a literary career. Sarah feels pressure to succeed, acutely aware that Marcie’s unplanned pregnancy upended her ambitions to become a journalist. Marcie confidently tells Sarah the contest is hers to win.

In the present, Caleb and Sarah join their group as the downpour continues. They are warmly greeted by Helen, who once worked with Win and is running the retreat. She introduces the other couples: Maggie and Phil, Kieran and Henry, and Nina and Jai. Helen also introduces her 10-year-old granddaughter, Libby, who is with them because she recently lost her mother. Sarah and Caleb are bemused when Helen explains that her wife, Yvonne, is on a walk trying to improve the weather. 

Sarah and Caleb get to know the other couples: Maggie and Phil are older than they are and attend the retreat regularly, while Jai and Nina, a younger couple, are arguing. Jai explains that last year he attended the retreat with his former fiancée; Nina is angry because she was unaware he had previously been engaged.

Caleb gets closer to Sarah and says quietly, “I don’t want to jinx it…but I think we have a shot at winning this” (82). Sarah laughs, reminding him that the event has a deeper purpose. She is briefly distracted when Caleb removes his shirt, and the others tease them about their obvious attraction to each other. Henry and Kieran explain that the retreat includes a sexual abstinence requirement in order to promote other kinds of intimacy. Sarah watches Helen and Libby approach with Yvonne. In contrast to Helen’s outdoor gear, Yvonne wears loose clothing, is barefoot, and gives off a meditative air.

Helen gives a welcome speech that focuses on authenticity and collaboration and tells the group that this year the hikes may be slower to accommodate Libby. Sarah is immediately struck by the reminder that Libby, like her, is coping with the loss of her only parent. Caleb notices and offers her brief comfort. 

Sarah and Caleb are mutually horrified to learn the upcoming hike will be 15 kilometers (about nine miles). She considers returning home, but Caleb tells her he believes in them, kissing her passionately. They awkwardly stretch, and Sarah realizes, “[I]t feels good to laugh with him like this. Even if we are truly fucked” (87).

The chapter opens partway through the hike, as the hikers get to know one another. Maggie explains that she paints but does not show Phil her artwork. Sarah teases Caleb about how his habit of playing Dungeons and Dragons from her for months when they were younger. Sarah learns that Nina is a young and ambitious actor. The group poses for a picture as Sarah reflects, “[W]e survived the first hike. Now the real work can begin (95).

In the past, Sarah reflects on her recent victory in the essay contest and the cash prize. She is distracted during sex with Caleb, focusing on the upcoming meeting with her literary idol. Caleb promises his support. Her phone rings: Marcie asks her to come home to discuss her recent medical diagnosis.

In the present, Sarah realizes she is not confident she can walk after finishing the hike. She reluctantly explains to Caleb she needs help getting to their tent and persuades him to carry her there. In the tent, Sarah realizes her feet are covered in blisters. She is relieved to hear that the hike tomorrow will be shorter. As Caleb undresses, he realizes they are both unusually sweaty, and Sarah teases him about “our smells melding together as one” (103). Caleb laughs at her quirky humor.

When Sarah is not ready to go to sleep yet, Caleb asks if she wants to read. Sarah explains that she left her e-reader at home, assuming the battery would not last the entire trip. Caleb surprises her by presenting it, and a solar charger, knowing that she is devoted to her habit. Sarah feels satisfied and relieved as Caleb snores while she reads, feeling that the day has been a success.

In the past, Win and Sarah crawl into bed together, weeping over Marcie’s diagnosis. Win hopes for a miracle. The two girls eventually give up on sleep. They creep into Marcie’s room and find June already there. The next morning, Sarah finds texts from Caleb: He has been researching ALS and persuaded his mother to connect Marcie to a specialist.

In the present, Sarah and Caleb eat oatmeal around the campfire together. When Sarah dubs Helen “Mrs. Chipper” and Yvonne “Madam Clairvoyant,” Caleb laughs, reminded of the drag shows they overheard in their first apartment, which was located above a bar. After a moment of sexual tension, Caleb assures Sarah that he is always drawn to her, even when fatigued.

The campers split into two groups for the hike that day, separate from their romantic partners. Helen explains that this will give everyone an authentic forum to share their concerns and acquire new perspectives. As Sarah’s group walks, Nina vents about Jai concealing his romantic history from her. She explains she feels that at 23 years old, she is too young to even consider marriage. Sarah laughs, explaining to the group that she got married at 19.

However, the atmosphere turns awkward when Sarah reluctantly explains their wedding coincided with her mother’s illness. Internally, Sarah admits that the event felt less like a celebration of love and “more like a parting gift” (116). She feels tense and uneasy as she goes on to explain her mother’s death soon after the ceremony and that she never attended college, as Caleb’s successful business launch took priority, and his family’s money provided security.

Feeling ashamed, Sarah recalls her struggles to find employment and fill her time meaningfully. She was lonely after Win left for college and only found focus when Win needed her support after a breakup. Win’s recent happy marriage has made Sarah more aware of her aimlessness, and she has begun to worry whether she’s “incapable of ever becoming a productive, helpful, contributing member of society” (121). Abashed, Sarah realizes she has spoken many of her thoughts aloud and apologizes to the group. Helen suggests the two of them walk apart to talk more. Nina assures her that she clearly needs to go first, embarrassing her further.