Summary

This chapter's opening dream sequence has Bechdel trying to climb an icy mountain surrounded by water. By the time she reaches the top, she realizes she's on the roof of her childhood home, which was icy. She tries to convince a neighbor of her life-threatening ordeal, but the neighbor just sees a house.

Back in the narrative, the author gives us a timeframe. It is in April of 2002. She has just sent her book about her father to her mother to read. Days go by without a response, and it's agonizing for her. When her mother's e-mail finally arrives, it floors Bechdel. Literally, Bechdel's girlfriend finds her lying on the floor, prone, and miserable. Her mother has written in the email that she feels violated, that their personal lives would be the fodder for a book. A follow-up e-mail actually does compliment her on...