Something in the Water

Back at Holloway Prison, Erin waits for her second interviewee, Alexa Fuller, who is in prison for assisting with her mother’s willing suicide. While she waits, Erin reflects on how she and Mark reorganized their wedding to save money and how Mark is “back to his old self” (65). Alexa says the last 14 years feel like she’s just been waiting. When she gets out in a month, she’s going to try to have a baby because she’s done waiting and “now I’m going to live” (70). Her thoughts resonate strongly with Erin and make her think about how much she wants to build a family with Mark.

Erin and Mark get married and go to Bora Bora for their honeymoon. On the way to the airport, Erin thinks about Alexa, Holli, and Eddie, all still in prison. Today, she feels her “freedom with renewed clarity” (74). Mark and Erin fly first class. The difference in how they’re treated amazes Erin. She philosophizes on how money clears a path through life, wondering if any of the people in the private first-class lounge ever associate with people not in their financial circle.