On the flight back to the United States and at Martine’s home, the tension continues between Sophie and Martine. Martine first questions Sophie on why she is not eating on the plane, to which Sophie admits that she was diagnosed with bulimia after getting married. Although Martine does not understand, she is willing to set it aside and stop arguing in an effort to mend their relationship. At Martine’s home, Sophie notices that all her things have been thrown out. Her mother admits that she was very angry when Sophie left, and that she burned them all. Sophie says she understands, and Martine is grateful. Over dinner, Martine admits that she expected Sophie to come back very soon after she left, not realizing that Sophie would “call [her] bluff” (183).

Martine has several messages from Marc on her machine and tells Sophie that she is going out with him. When Sophie questions her on it, Martine admits that she is seeing him as more than just friends, but that it would not make sense to marry him at her age.

After her mother goes, Sophie calls Joseph. He is distraught that she left without telling him where she was going and is concerned that she will do it again.