Jennie

“I spoke to this woman in the supermaket," Charlie barges in again, "and I said I was tired and finding it hard, and she said, 'Ah, you wouldn't change it thoug, would you?' and I had to of course say no. But I wanted to say yes. I wanted to say, 'Actually, Brenda, I would.' I want to go back sometimes. And I do, Noelle. I don't want to be Charlie of then." Charlie bursts into sobs.”
― Lia Louis, Eight Perfect Hours

“Charlie, nobody ever broadcasts the bad bits of their lives. You don't ever sign onto Facebook or Instagram and see a photo of- I don't know, someone shouting at their husband because he's been a tosser. You just see the flowers he bout her as an apology and some sickly bloody hashtag”
― Lia Louis

“No," she says. "No, I can't. How can I? I've started seeing someone." My heart stops. "A counselor," she adds, and it starts beating again, relieved. Of course. Of course she wouldn't have a bloody affair. "Once a week. I go during work time so Theo doesn't know." So that's where she's neem going, and probably why she wasn't in the shop, and where she was driving to the other day. "But he'll want me to go to the GP and I'm- I'm worried they'll put me on meds and the meds will numb me. I already feel so numb, Noelle. And I'm scared. Of being that mother who needs pills to get through what's supposed to be one of the best things that ever happened to her. I'm a shit mother.”
― Lia Louis, Eight Perfect Hours

“And I don't have a corner sofa or a sweater-wearing husband. But I am here. The Noelle of right now, is right here.”
― Lia Louis, Eight Perfect Hours