In 2000, Kate has three children, a 10-year-old “and twin boys under two” (290), and her life is a constant struggle to get things done in “a race with no finish line” (290).

Kate works feverishly all day to get her regular chores done and get herself ready for her Tully’s visit. Tully arrives in a limousine, pulling into the driveway after Johnny’s car. When Tully and Johnny stop to speak with the driver, Kate marvels at how good they look together. Tully barrels into the house, hugging children, giving gifts, and demanding a drink. Throughout dinner, she tells stories from her glamourous life, and Marah is enthralled. Tully and Johnny then start to debate world politics, and even if Kate wanted to join the conversation, she finds that she must focus all her attention on keeping the twins from destroying their house. Before Johnny takes Marah to bed, Tully asks what’s wrong with Kate. Kate denies that anything beyond hormones and lack of sleep is wrong, but Johnny and Tully discuss how Kate doesn’t even realize that anything is wrong and that she’s not writing at all. After Kate interjects that she is, in fact, right there, she finally reveals that she is completely overwhelmed with tasks, and although she wishes she could write and take some time for herself, she simply can’t get it all done.