What Alice Forgot

After lunch, Alice is disappointed that Mrs. Bergen, their neighbor, does not return her wave but instead pointedly ignores her. Alice explores the house for more clues about her current self. She looks in Madison’s bedroom and recognizes the wall color that she and Nick had agreed to paint the room for the new baby; she also sees Madison’s posters of Europe and a recipe book. Tom’s bedroom door warns “No girls allowed” (191). Olivia’s bedroom is filled with stuffed animals and pretty decorations. Alice sees that a dress that she remembers buying brand new is stained and has been cut into a play dress for Olivia.

Feeling overwhelmed, Alice decides to go for a walk, and then—surprised by her fitness—begins running. Again, Alice feels overwhelmed with horror when she passes Rawson street and squats down, feeling faint. A man stops and helps her to his car. He drives Alice home, along with his son, Jasper, who is in the back seat. He is shocked when Alice admits that she has no idea who he is. He tells her that he is Dominick.

In a letter to Phil, Frannie worries about Alice.