Crow Lake

Kate reflects that she struggles to understand people. This issue has come up with Daniel, who has pointed out that she’s not very empathetic. She speculates as to why Sally was interested in Luke and concludes she must not have understood the reality of his situation. Kate imagines Sally going home to her parents and claiming that Luke forced himself on her. She doesn’t know exactly what Sally said, but soon after the incident, Luke loses his job. 

Adult Kate goes with Daniel to an exhibition and to dinner with his parents. She realizes from his dejected and distracted behavior that he must have seen the invitation. Daniel’s parents reminisce about what he was like as a child. His mother talks about the importance of early childhood influences and asks if Kate had a good childhood teacher. Kate confirms, thinking of Matt. Daniel’s mother remarks that it’s unusual for a man to be good with children, and their mother must have been a great parent to raise a son who could raise the girls. Daniel is very detached from the conversation. 

On the drive home, Daniel alludes to his childhood loneliness. Kate realizes that Daniel has seen the invitation and that whatever she does now will significantly affect their relationship.