“‘You are going to be very sorry, sweetheart,’ he says. ‘And even sorrier if you try to go to the police. It’s your word against mine, and nobody will believe you. You don’t have one ounce of proof, and I will make sure you get destroyed in court.’”

Simon’s threats exemplify the barriers that many women face in the aftermath of rape. Tegan is forced to choose between justice and security. Even if she pursues justice, Simon’s wealth and power make it an uphill battle, and she may end up with neither. Her decision to press charges, despite his threats, is guided by the kind of world she wants for her daughter: one where rapists are held accountable. It’s a choice that characterizes her and illuminates her primary motivation while establishing the theme of The Psychological Influence of Maternal Instinct.

“And with my injured ankle and giant belly, escape will be near impossible. I’ll be his prisoner as long as he wants me to be.”

Creating high stakes makes conflict more compelling, and psychological thrillers rely on such high stakes to escalate tension and suspense. Tegan’s circumstances after her car crash raise the stakes by introducing the idea of captivity and helplessness. Her fears in this quote do foreshadow future events, but they mislead her since she assumes that Hank, not Polly, is her antagonist.

“But in spite of the innocuous contents of the room, there’s something disturbing about this basement. It’s so quiet and still. And dark—without Polly’s flashlight, it would be pitch-black. And on top of the chemical smell, there’s another odor that lingers in the room. One that’s hard to put my finger on at first, but then I finally figure it out. It’s the sickening smell of decay.”

The use of setting to create eerie and foreboding atmospheres is a noteworthy characteristic of McFadden’s style and a common technique in the thriller genre to escalate tension and suspense. This passage, with its sensory details, uses darkness to engender fear, which is supported by Tegan’s identification of the “smell of decay.” In later chapters, Polly’s narrative indicates that there’s no such smell, suggesting that Tegan may have imagined it.

“I can’t help but wonder what trapped Polly in this marriage. She said she didn’t have children, so it couldn’t be that. But Hank must have some sort of hold on her. There must be a reason she stays, in spite of his abuse.”

Tegan’s assumptions about Hank and Polly develop thematic ideas about Perception Versus Reality and the Dangers of Presumption. They derive from stereotypes of abusive relationships, Hank’s imposing physicality, and Tegan’s state of fear due to her stressful circumstances. The author’s tone, however, conveys criticism of people’s tendency to judge others based on stereotypes, emotions, and conjecture.

“I click on Angela’s name—her contact information has been in every phone I’ve had for the last thirteen years. My index finger hovers over the words ‘block this contact.’ Then I press it. I’m not interested in talking to Angela again.”

Polly’s response to the news that her long-time friend is pregnant conveys the idea that she’s been deeply wounded by something related to the subject, developing her role in the novel’s exploration of the psychological influence of maternal instinct. She doesn’t reveal what happened at this point, but the intensity of her reaction imbues it with an air of tragedy, thus creating intrigue. This passage also foreshadows her conflict with Tegan by showing that other women’s pregnancies trigger jealousy that drives her to extremes.

“My husband is not a violent man by nature, but that rule doesn’t apply when it comes to protecting me.”

Polly’s description of Hank draws attention to two important points. The first is that Tegan’s assumptions about Hank are wrong. She equates his intimidating size to aggressiveness and violence, but Polly makes it clear that this is inaccurate. Second, her description attaches a caveat to Hank’s nonviolent nature, one that reveals his character’s values and priorities and serves as a reminder that human behavior is complex.

“He’s the best man I’ve ever met—there’s nobody better. And he would have been a great father. It’s all my fault he’ll never get to experience that.”

The first part of this quote further characterizes Hank in a positive light and belies Tegan’s assumptions about him. The second part reveals something important about Polly’s character: Guilt about not being able to give Hank a child is a driving force in her decision to steal Tegan’s baby, even though Hank is quite content without children. Polly’s consideration for Hank, though misguided, comes from love and shows a less selfish side to her.

“Don’t worry, Polly, she said to me. Someday, your family will be complete. She knew about my infertility problems, of course. Aside from Hank, she was the only person who knew all the sordid details. But unlike Hank, she believed that someday, I would get my baby.”

When Polly first mentions this memory, she expresses the belief that her mother was wrong, but as her mental health destabilizes throughout the novel, Polly comes to see her mother’s comforting words as something more: They become an omen indicating that she’s meant to have Tegan’s baby, letting her believe that she’s only doing what fate intended. She treats her mother’s message as a sign that her mother approves of her plan and that she’s doing the right thing.

“She’s chugging whiskey. While she’s heavily pregnant. No wonder she was so quick to request pain medications—she clearly does not give a hoot what she puts in her body. We’ve got the mother of the year in our basement apparently.”

Polly makes assumptions about Tegan based on stereotypes and conjecture, leaning into a desire to see Tegan as an unfit mother to rationalize her planned crimes. This is an example of a self-serving bias. Rather than considering any other explanations for the flask in Tegan’s purse, Polly attributes Tegan’s circumstances to character defects, irresponsible behavior, and selfish choices.

“And soon it will be her and a baby she didn’t even want, who she won’t even look at once it’s born.”

Dual narration gives readers access to both Tegan’s and Polly’s thoughts, focusing attention on character interiority and motivation. When Polly makes this assumption about Tegan, it contradicts evidence to the contrary from Tegan’s point of view. This example of dramatic irony offers the opportunity to consider what Polly’s assumptions mean with regard to her character. Her extrapolation into assuming that Tegan “won’t even look” at the baby once it’s born illustrates her jealousy and resentment.

“When that happens, he may not like the answers quite as much, but when it comes down to it, he’s going to do exactly what I tell him to do. He doesn’t have a choice.”

Polly’s belief that Hank will bend to her will is an example of both the subjectivity of perception and the complexity of human behavior. She overestimates his willingness to choose unquestioning loyalty over integrity. She also gives undue weight to how Hank responded to learning of her tax fraud, without recognizing that his decision-making process is nuanced and that different circumstances may alter his decisions. Additionally, she plans to extort him, adding a new conflict to the storyline and complicating their relationship further.

“Before, I used to hope and pray that my mother was right. But I’m tired of waiting for the universe to give me what I want. I’m going to make sure my mother’s words come true.”

This quote from Polly emphasizes her motivation and helps explain her reasoning for making the drastic decision to steal Tegan’s baby. This demonstrates how the psychological influence of maternal instinct has created a desire for children so intense that, left unfulfilled, it has driven Polly to abandon her ethical code and the law. The passage also shows how the message from Polly’s mother factors into her choice, giving her the external motivation and support needed to justify her actions.

“‘Does the father know?’

‘I…’ I definitely don’t want to tell Polly what that asshole did to me. ‘I don’t know who the father is. It was a one-night stand. I don’t know his name.’”

Tegan’s choice to withhold the fact that Simon raped her and her reason for that choice offer subtle commentary on the way society treats rape survivors. The moment illuminates the many obstacles that survivors often face in the aftermath of rape that further victimize and traumatize the individual. Tegan feels shame because of what happened to her and may also worry that she’ll encounter a form of judgment known as victim blaming.

“‘And nobody is even going to care that much if she disappears.’ Well, maybe her brother. I’m not sure if I believed her when she said they barely had contact, considering how upset he seemed. But I’m sure he will move on eventually. ‘Nobody would care if she vanished off the face of the earth.’”

Polly’s words to Hank in this quote exemplify the complex ethics of rationalization while also revealing Polly’s psychological state at this point in her character arc. Her history, as revealed through backstory and her relationships with Hank and Sadie, indicates that she normally feels empathy for others and cares about their well-being. Her present attitude marks a stark difference, indicating profound trauma and injury. It also offers a subtle clue that her repressed moral inhibitions may surface and change the plot direction.

“I’m all Hank’s got, and he would never do that to me. Never. He’s too scared of losing me. He knows how this will end. And when it comes down to it, I bet he’ll help me get rid of the body too. Soon our family will be complete, just as my mother foretold.”

Hank has been claiming ignorance of Polly’s true intentions toward Tegan, of the fact that Tegan is being held against her will, and of her desperate need for medical care. However, the subtext implies that he has some level of knowledge of the truth, if on a subconscious level, and that he’s purposely avoiding opportunities to find out more. In this passage, Polly shows that she recognizes Hank’s denial, as well as his pattern of gradual acquiescence to her scheme. At the same time, she overestimates his willingness to put loyalty above all else.

“I’m not going to break her leg, exactly. I mean, I’m not a complete psychopath. […] With two broken legs, Tegan will truly be at our mercy. […] And really, this is a case where the ends justify the means.”

The scene in which Polly backs down from breaking Tegan’s kneecap represents a crossroads in her character arc. Her thoughts, shown in this quote, reveal quite a bit. Her comment about not being a “complete psychopath” uses irony to highlight her lack of insight, while her description of Tegan being at their mercy with two broken legs raises the stakes and escalates the tension and suspense. Finally, her rationalization that the ends justify the means draws a connection to historical uses of the same rationale to justify horrific crimes.

“There’s no world in which Tegan remains alive and we get to keep her baby. I swallow a lump of bile in my throat. I might not be able to break Tegan’s kneecap, but at some point in the near future, I’ve got to make some hard decisions. I won’t let this girl keep me from getting everything I ever dreamed of.”

Though Polly doesn’t go through with breaking Tegan’s kneecap, she acknowledges that she doesn’t intend to change her mind about taking Tegan’s baby. In this way, the scene deviates from the archetypal crossroads in which a realization leads to change and penance. Additionally, her acknowledgment keeps the stakes high by indicating that the danger to Tegan’s life has only been postponed for a short time.

“‘She’s fine,’ I say. ‘Happy as a clam.’ He grunts like he doesn’t quite believe me, but he also doesn’t know the extent of what is going on. He knows Tegan doesn’t want to be in our basement, but he doesn’t know how sick she is.”

Polly’s lies to Hank develop the conflict between them. Ultimately, their relationship demonstrates how a marriage based on real love and devotion can survive trauma and even betrayal. At present, their dynamic is out of balance: Hank is trying to avoid conflict, while Polly is willing to escalate it as much as it takes to get what she wants. This lack of balance is based in large part on Hank’s unwillingness to take action, and when that status quo changes, the plot will again move forward.

“Even though I felt for Hank when he was telling me about his wife’s mental health problems, it doesn’t matter. That woman almost killed me and my baby. She ought to be locked up forever. And her husband should be locked up too for letting her do it.”

This passage establishes how Tegan intends to resolve her conflict with Polly and Hank to develop contrast with the future and draw attention to her change of heart. The reasons for her change of heart develop Tegan’s character arc by showing how she has changed and grown during the span of the narrative. This quote gives a false impression that the narrative arc has reached its climax and that only falling action and conflict resolution remain, a common convention in the thriller genre.

“I’ve spent so many years of my life focusing on the child I wanted so badly. But Hank is my family, and he’s given me more love than I would have gotten from a dozen kids. It took almost losing everything to realize how blessed I am.”

This realization marks the epiphany that spurs Polly’s transformation and the completion of her character arc. Her arc charts her path toward overcoming a central flaw: her emotional instability centered around the belief that she can’t be whole or happy without a child. She’s been in various stages of grief over the loss of an important part of her identity, that of a future mother. Here, she’s entering the acceptance stage, which will allow her to begin healing.

“Dear Tegan, I wish you and your daughter all the happiness in the world. Love, Polly.”

Polly’s note to Tegan accompanies the teddy bear that Polly had stashed away in the pantry for years, unable to look at it or get rid of it because it symbolized her hope of having a child. Her choice to give it away symbolizes her acceptance of a life without children in which she can still be happy and fulfilled. Her well-wishes for Tegan and Tia fall short of actual atonement or apology, but they do indicate that she no longer resents Tegan for her ability to conceive or views Tegan as incapable of motherhood.

“I learned to stop blaming Hank and Polly Thompson for what they did to me. Simon Lamar was the one who messed with the brake hose in my car and caused the accident that almost killed me. Hank and Polly, on the other hand, saved my life. Twice. So no, I never told the police what they did. I couldn’t make myself do it. But I do hope Polly got some help. Somehow I think with Hank by her side, she’ll end up okay.”

The novel’s Epilogue resolves the narrative’s main conflicts, including Tegan’s conflict with Hank and Polly. Tegan’s realization that her brother and Simon tried to kill her gives her a new perspective on Hank and Polly’s actions. Now, she can better appreciate the difference between Polly’s intentions and those of Simon and Dennis, as well as the influence of trauma and psychological factors on Polly’s decisions. This is reinforced by Tegan’s decision not to press charges against them, which contrasts with her decision to prosecute Simon.

“And I’m so happy that he kept me from making a terrible mistake one year ago. You know you’ve got someone really special when they are able to save you from ruining your own life.”

The Epilogue also reveals resolutions for Polly’s external conflict with Hank and her internal conflict with trauma and depression. In hindsight, she’s able to see that Hank didn’t betray her. He acted against her wishes but still did what was best for her. Her attitude and perspective here show a markedly changed state of mind from before her transformation. This emotional improvement demonstrates that the positive effects of her epiphany have lasted.