The Last Thing He Told Me

Hannah and Bailey depart for Austin. On the plane, Hannah realizes Bailey is cold, and doubts her own parenting ability. She questions Owen in her thoughts, asking, “How did he not leave behind a set of rules on how to take care of her? The first rule: Tell her to pack a sweatshirt when she gets on a plane. Tell her to cover her arms” (93).

Hannah recalls a trip she took with Jules to Austin in their senior year of college, and admits that by leaving the house, she is hoping Owen will come home, saying, “Isn’t that how it’s supposed to work, the kettle boils once you stop watching?” (94). Hannah understands this is magical thinking but also understands she and Bailey cannot sit at home and wait for Owen any longer, and that any action feels better than inaction.

On the plane, the stewardess assumes that Bailey is Hannah’s daughter; Bailey quickly disabuses her of that notion, hurting Hannah. Bailey, however, soon realizes that, at the moment, Hannah is all she has and kindly switches drinks with Hannah.

In Austin, Hannah and Bailey check into a hotel booked by Jules and set out for a walk. Hannah spots a music club featured on one of Owen’s album covers, and when they reach the University of Texas (UT) stadium, Bailey feels certain she has been there before with Owen.