The Children Act

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness and death by suicide.

A week later, Fiona leaves Leadman Hall and returns to London. Her mind drifts to her and Adam’s kiss on the way home, as it has throughout the week. Sometimes she remembers it as only a moment, while other times she extends it in her mind. She feels ashamed, realizing that anyone could have walked in on them and discovered her indiscretion. To dismiss the thoughts, she calls Jack and suggests that they go out for dinner. The plans lift her spirits.

Fiona and Jack go out together but stick to “the safer topics” throughout their meal (183). Finally, Jack starts talking about his work. Fiona’s mind drifts, and she realizes that it’s time to go home. Over the following weeks, Fiona and Jack’s conflict dissipates, and they start spending more time together. 

Meanwhile, Fiona prepares for her upcoming Christmas Revels. She and Mark always perform in the holiday concert, and Fiona makes time to practice her piano pieces.

One day, Fiona receives a poem from Adam in the mail. It doesn’t have a letter attached, and she waits two days to open it.