CHAPTER 23 "KCTV Studios"

Walter worries about filling the afternoon programming slot because his boss has threatened to fire him. He tolerates his boss to support Amanda. Walter, a single parent, would do anything for Amanda. He recalls Elizabeth's complaint about Amanda's lunch theft.

Two months after working at Hastings as a lab tech, Elizabeth discovers that Donatti has stolen her research and published it in Science Journal with Boryweitz as his co-author. She rages at Boryweitz and Donatti and quits.

At home, Harriet tells Elizabeth that Walter has been calling her, and Madeline is appalled that Elizabeth spoke to Amanda's father. Madeline says Amanda brings a "not normal" lunch, but Elizabeth says stealing is wrong, recalling Donatti and the paper. Madeline brought Mrs. Mudford's note home.

Mrs. Mudford dislikes both Amanda and Madeline—Amanda because she finds the child difficult and doesn't like that her father is involved in her education rather than her mother, and Madeline because she is advanced in reading and comprehension and insists on doing boy things like kicking a ball. This note complained about Madeline requesting Vladimir Nabokov books from the librarian.

Elizabeth hears Madeline dislike school. Elizabeth recalls Calvin's correspondence from Frask's boxes when she asks if they're poor. Elizabeth received many offers from top universities, but Calvin chose Hastings, the lowest-paying offer, because Wakely had written that Commons, California, has the "best weather in the world".

Calvin and Wakely had often corresponded on faith and science while at Harvard Divinity School. Elizabeth was confused when Calvin said he hated his father and wanted him dead in the final exchange. She thought Calvin's parents were dead. She also finds correspondence from long-lost relatives, including Calvin's biological mother who offered him money for his research.

Walter calls again during dinner and proposes a cooking show for Elizabeth to host. Elizabeth considers it because the pay is good and she needs the money after leaving Hastings.