Chatham’s Reviews > When You Go Away > Status Update

Peri is out of jail, and spending time with her father and brother. Her father is sort of using this scenario to get close with her again. Brooke is finally getting out of the hospital, but not before the press heard about what had happened. The children are with their grandmother. Peri is seeing a therapist, talking about whether or not she is fit to have her children back.

(5/11 evening) In the hospital, Peri realizes how bad her situation is. She is scared for her children, Brooke in particular. While her brother is in the hospital with her, it takes a while for her to open up. Graham shows up, Carl is furious with him. Peri believes that she doesn't deserve to keep the kids. Carly and Ryan visit her in jail. The author talks about her time in jail. The children don't want to talk

I don't know who Garnet is, but he's offering to take the children from Carl, Peri's father. He has money to take care of them. Garnet is Graham's mother. Grandma Mackenzie, as the kids know her, want them to go back and live with Graham. Carl is not okay with this, because he hasn't showed any interest in the kids since the divorce. They're going home with their grandfather.

Peri went to Graham's house. When his new wife said he wasn't around and wouldn't let her in, she broke a window and freaked out. The police came and she went to the hospital, now being moved up to the psych ward and being questioned by the police.

Noel is Peri's brother. Graham is the children's father. Carl is the children's grandfather. He got a message from Rosie, their neighbor about how sick Brooke was. He came to get Carly and Ryan while Brooke went to the hospital. They are still trying to get a hold of Peri and Graham, with no luck. The kids are staying the night at their grandfather's house.

Brooke is sick and has been brought to the hospital. Carly and Ryan are at home, expecting the police to get involved in their mother's disappearance. Noel seems to be the grandfather and Carl is the children's father. They are showing some concern over Peri's recent behavior.

The book switches to Peri and her current situation. She is in a motel and cannot stop thinking about the baby, Brooke. Everything around her reminds her of her helpless, sick child. Carly is left to take care of the house, herself, and the baby. She starts to worry about the bills, but she hopes her mom took care of it, or that she'll be back before it becomes a problem.