All the Dangerous Things

Content Warning: The Chapter 24 Summary and other mentions of Allison often reference drug abuse and suicide. The Chapter 33 Summary references child death.

While Isabelle was still working at The Grit, Ben was absent for three days. Finally, Kasey shared that Allison had died by suicide. Isabelle became overwhelmed as she thought about how little she knew about Allison. She worries Allison may have discovered her and Ben’s affair, which contributed to her death.

As Waylon cooks, Isabelle notices increased tension in the room after bringing up Allison. Waylon asks Isabelle what she thinks happened—whether Allison died by suicide or an accidental overdose. Isabelle confesses uncertainty and that she has not talked about it with Ben extensively. Waylon notes the convenience of Ben’s wife dying as he was having an affair, with his son disappearing shortly before his separation from Isabelle. Isabelle defends Ben, and the two fall into an uncomfortable silence until Waylon begins asking questions about Mason. He pushes Isabelle to share something more personal than what she talks about for sound bites. She admits Mason was a difficult baby and ruminates on some of the dark thoughts she had when she hadn’t slept and was trying to soothe him.