Olive, Again

Olive is waiting for Christopher and his family, who are coming to visit for three nights. She looks around her house and realizes that Christopher will notice right away that she has been getting rid of possessions, both hers and Henry’s. She is nervous because she has not seen her son in three years.

Christopher’s hair is graying, which Olive cannot believe. He and Ann have named their youngest child Henry, after Olive’s husband. At first, Christopher is impressed that she has been cleaning, but then gets upset that she has gotten rid of some of Henry’s things. Christopher says he needs a drink, and is surprised that she has white wine. She says she has friends over, but he isn’t really interested.

Olive is uncomfortable with the children, but likes the toddler, Henry. Ann says she is tired, while Christopher is talkative. Olive gives Henry a scarf she has made for him, but doesn’t have gifts for the other children. She points out that she gave them Christmas gifts, for which she was never thanked. When they kiss their father goodnight, they ignore her, as does Ann.

Olive and Christopher talk for a long time before bed. Olive thinks that this is the first day in a long time that she hasn’t talked to Jack, and she misses him.