“There was the golden age, the years our children were nine, ten, eleven. Fourth and fifth grade...of course you never realize it's the golden age until it's over.”
Brooke reflects on the nostalgia and longing for a past period in their lives. It is often only in hindsight that we recognize the value and beauty of certain moments in our lives. Brooke and Hollis were close friends during their thirties, therefore, they shared a significant period of their lives. However, as time passed, their friendship experienced a strain and they drifted apart. The reasons for their separation might be rooted in personal choices, evolving priorities, and unresolved conflicts. Despite their previous connection, they found themselves disconnected in recent years. The gathering becomes an opportunity for Hollis to reconnect with her closest friends and confront the unresolved issues. As the group comes together, each woman brings her own set of struggles and personal growth. Brooke, like the others, has her own secrets and emotional baggage that she carries into the weekend.
“This is one thing he has always loved about his wife: In her heart, she is eternally seventeen.”
The statement highlights Terri's character and her emotional connection to the past. This quote becomes relevant as Terri reminisces about their high school days and the softball game that still affects her. Her strong attachment to the memories indicates that she retains a sense of being seventeen. For Ethan, this enduring youthful spirit within Terri is something he has always loved about her. It portrays her as someone who carries the weight of memories and events that have shaped her. Terri mentions how they won the state championship during their junior year but lost it in their senior year in a heartbreaking game. The memory of Tatum dropping a crucial ball in the field—causing their loss—still upsets Terri. She states that Tatum is an extremely competitive person making it unlikely for her to intentionally make such a mistake. Despite that, the memory of the drop continues to bother Terri as she finds herself thinking about it from time to time. The quote adds a layer of intrigue and unresolved emotions to the story.
“What does it say about her that her best friend from midlife is someone she met online? Is it a sign of the times or a sign that Hollis’s standards are at an all-time low?”
This quote raises doubts about Hollis's choice to include Gigi, an internet friend, as one of the attendees for the Five Star Weekend. It suggests a societal perspective that questions the validity of online friendships to conventional and physically present relationships. The narrator reflects on the skepticism some have toward forming connections online. Hollis has compromised her standards by considering someone she met online as her best friend. Considering Hollis's journey of grief, her decision to invite Gigi stems from a need for support. The story highlights the personal challenges faced by each woman attending the weekend retreat. The characters are all dealing with their issues and uncertainties creating a complex dynamic within the group. Hence, the presence of Gigi adds an element of intrigue to the gathering.
