Talking at Night: A Novel

After Josh’s funeral, Will goes to Rosie’s house, where everyone gathers for a meal. Marley sits with Rosie, who hasn’t spoken the whole day. Josh’s funeral reminds Will of his grandfather’s, where no one said anything meaningful about him. He tells Rosie that he’s sad that no one has said anything about Josh’s true character and how funny and loyal he was. Marley tells him to stop, but he continues, telling Rosie she should mark him in her memory with her “own things […] the real things” (140). Rosie remains silent and won’t look at Will, but she tells Marley he’s right when he walks away. Rosie breaks and sobs while Marley holds her.

Will prepares to leave, but Mrs. Winters stops him and angrily blames Will for Josh’s death because it happened at Will’s party. Will apologizes, saying that Josh was his friend, but Mrs. White continues, excoriating Will for being a degenerate who doesn’t have friends and instead uses people to get what he wants. Will internalizes her scorn and leaves the house, wishing he’d tried harder to prevent Josh from falling. He goes to Darcy’s house, and they have sex outside in the garden.