Ruth is reminded of Phyllis’s slumlord family background when she discovers Jenny squatting in the brownstone. Ruth went to the brownstone on a hunch, partly to inspect its condition for a potential property sale, though she remains reluctant to sell the brownstone. She feels a growing contempt for the staid mores and status competition of Middle Rock, and the brownstone represents an escapist fantasy for her.

Ruth wonders how far back her issues with Jenny go. She considers that the origin point could have been her decision to break up with her ex-boyfriend, Dale, in favor of Carl because Carl was more practical than Dale. In retrospect, marrying Dale would have allowed her to live a life she considered “normal,” instead of the one where she has to look after Carl’s mental health all the time and her children are insulated by their wealth.

Following Carl’s release, Ruth decided that she no longer wanted to have another baby, so she attempted to end her pregnancy. Phyllis urged her to forget about her anxieties and live normally, but Ruth found this difficult to do. Ruth was referred to a psychologist to unpack the emotional burden of dealing with Carl. The psychologist, Dr.