Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen Summary

Cassie thinks she has found the perfect screenplay for Alex, involving the resolution of a relationship between a father and son. Although she knows now that he would take out his rage on her physically if he does this film, she feels doing the film might cure him of the emotional illness that is related to his father. After reading the screenplay, entitled The Story of His Life, Alex delivers and Cassie accepts the expected beating, including a blow to her face. Later that night, he tells her he wants to direct and produce the film.

Filming the scenes with an older actor named Jack Green, the process seems cathartic for Alex. The movie is up for several Academy awards. Alex is scheduled to go to Scotland to film Macbeth. Cassie's doctor confirms her twelve-week pregnancy. Returning...