Though she is struggling with “plateauing eight pounds above her pre-baby weight” (137) and a simultaneous lack of intimacy with her husband, Alix feels excitement about her upcoming Thanksgiving. She is hosting her three closest friends: Rachel, Jodi, and Tamra. After Thanksgiving, Alix is excited to go with the women back to New York. As she thinks about her upcoming trip, Alix notices Emira’s phone light up from where it sits in the front hallway. On the screen is a notification that a flight’s cancelled due to the oncoming snowstorm.

Over the past week, Alix noticed her relationship with Emira take a turn for the worse. While Alix obsessed over things like “what time Emira went to bed” (138), Emira had rebuffed any friendly advances, which “haunted” (138) Alix. Alix continues to focus on Emira, trying to tailor her behavior and looks in ways that would get Emira to like her. Alix begins building a complete fantasy relationship with Emira in which Emira sees “what Alix saw as the truest version of herself” (139).

Alix’s preparations for Thanksgiving had become a joke with her friends, who teased her about creating a traditional, kitschy spread. To extend the joke further, Alix chooses to follow through on the idea, making her Thanksgiving table and decorations as

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