Losing Chase

In the wake of Chase's nervous breakdown, Richard hires Elizabeth to help around the house. Chase immediately resents the intrusion and treats both Elizabeth and Richard with contempt. The two young boys are brought back into the family the same day as Elizabeth's arrival.

Elizabeth tells the kids she has a sister who is unwell and a mother who died after a difficult life. Jason relays what he heard to Chase, deepening the tension between Chase and the newcomer. The revelation adds emotional complexity to the household dynamics.

The next day, Richard chats with Elizabeth while she tends to tomatoes, a moment that creates subtle tension with Chase. Elizabeth remains courteous but keeps a polite distance. Chase feels the shift in their relationship and grows more unsettled.

Elizabeth takes a day off to visit Catherine, who is institutionalized. Catherine suddenly becomes enraged, accusing Elizabeth of various things and is escorted away by a nurse. The visit exposes Elizabeth's painful family history and the fragility it adds to her role at home.

When Elizabeth returns to the Phillips residence, she discovers Chase has ripped up the tomatoes Elizabeth planted. Elizabeth unleashes a tearful, pointed accusation about Chase attempting suicide when Elizabeth and her sister were young. Chase calms Elizabeth and reminds her she is not her mother, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation.

The next day, Chase's mood improves and she begins to form a genuine bond with Elizabeth. Richard reveals he will be away for work, leaving Elizabeth to continue caring for Chase and the children. Chase and Elizabeth's friendship grows as they venture out for the first time since the breakdown, and Chase explains how societal pressures contributed to her collapse.

As days pass, the connection among Elizabeth, Chase, and the boys deepens. In gratitude for Elizabeth's help, Chase gives her an old car. Chase also laments that Elizabeth will be leaving when summer ends.

During a day at the beach, Chase watches Elizabeth swim and then naps. After Elizabeth finishes, the two women walk back and share a kiss; Elizabeth initially returns the gesture but stops herself, saying she cannot go further. Little Richard witnesses the moment.

The kiss intensifies the strain between Elizabeth and Little Richard, who becomes distressed. Elizabeth contemplates leaving the Phillips house, underscoring the fragility of the new bond.

Richard returns home and confronts Chase about the affair. Chase confesses she is in love with Elizabeth and that Elizabeth has made her feel alive again. The next morning, Elizabeth leaves with Richard, while Chase rushes to the dock to say goodbye and gives Elizabeth back the car.

Chase narrates an epilogue, explaining that she has broken up with Richard but they remain on good terms and share custody of the children. She says she still sees Elizabeth in her dreams. She ends with the line about storms and waiting to see if there will be more.