Content Warning: This section of the guide features depictions and discussions of codependency and the death of a parent.

Macy Queen’s boyfriend, Jason Talbot, is perfect both academically and personally. His ability to remain in control of every situation is “just what [she] needed” when her father died a year and a half ago, and they’ve been dating ever since (12). While he’s away at Brain Camp this summer, she plans to take over his job at the library information desk but hasn’t planned anything outside of work. She’s abandoned her friends in favor of spending time with Jason and his friends lately because he becomes impatient and frustrated when her friends can’t keep up with his intelligence. At the airport, Jason only gives Macy a peck on the cheek. He’s never been too affectionate, something she appreciated when she “didn’t want anyone to get too close” after her father died, but now she wishes for more (15).

Macy arrives home to a package from EZ Products, a subscription her father loved despite the products never working as advertised. After his death, Macy’s sister Caroline cried incessantly, Macy grieved in angry silence, and her mother Deborah purged the house of its junk, including the EZ Products.