Talking at Night: A Novel

When Rosie and Will return, she calls her mother and tells her she can’t return to Oxford. Mrs. Winters knows where she is and comes to Will’s house to take Rosie home. Will begs Rosie to stay, but she says she must leave as she can’t hide from her family. Will hasn’t wanted to drink since Rosie arrived. Mrs. Winters is angrier about Rosie staying at Will’s than her decision to leave Oxford. Rosie says that Josh’s death wasn’t Will’s fault. She says Josh was wrestling with his identity, which led to him drinking too much. When she tells her mom that Josh is gay, Mrs. White says nothing and changes the subject to Oxford. She begs Rosie not to give up everything she’s worked so hard for, but she acknowledges that it’s Rosie’s decision. Mrs. White confesses that she struggles with depression and breaks down in front of Rosie for the first time since Josh’s death. Rosie empathizes with her mother yet feels like she isn't being heard. Marley sleeps over, asks Rosie if she is okay, and reminds her that one year isn’t enough time to grieve properly.

Rosie returns to Oxford and