Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan is where Claire lives with her husband, Theo, and baby, Ruth. While living in Ann Arbor, Claire assumes the life of a wealthy, white woman. The scenes that take place in Ann Arbor often contain self-aware allusions to Claire's class and status. She works as a writing professor on a local college campus. When she is not teaching, Claire is attempting to take care of her new child and navigate the rocky terrain of her marriage. She leaves Reno for a book reading, and eventually decides not to return.

Reno

Claire travels to Reno, Nevada for a book reading. She meets up with her old college friends, Ty, Ivy, and Rust. She is glad to be back in their company, but finds the trip somewhat jarring. Coming to Reno feels like traveling into the past. Her friends all seem to be in vastly different...