46 pages 1 hour read

Lisa Unger

The New Couple in 5B

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Part 2, Chapters 16-24

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “Act II”

Part 2, Chapter 16 Summary

In a session with her psychologist Dr. Black, Rosie rehashes the events of the past weeks and a recent fight with Chad, in which she confronted him about his relationship with Dana. Dr. Black assures her that the anxiety she is feeling is normal given recent events, and that the visions she has had in the past are waking nightmares that manifest as a result of her trauma. He suggests that Abi accidentally forgot to load the box intended for Dana into the cab, then lied about it to protect his job. He gives her a Hamsa hand of his own, explaining that such charms are widely available and that many people have them. Rosie leaves feeling relieved. Max calls with news that he has been fired and his publishing house is closing.

Part 2, Chapter 17 Summary

In 1963, Willa is doing laundry in the basement of the Windermere when she is interrupted by Miles, the mischievous son of her neighbors Ella and Charles. Miles claims to have seen Willa kissing her lover in the basement of the Windermere, and he threatens to tell. Before Willa can respond, Ella appears and invites her up to their apartment for coffee. Willa is jealous of Ella’s glamorous appearance and lifestyle, and she wonders why she and Charles chose to split their apartment in half and sell the new 5B to her and Paul.