This chapter is crucial because it shows the cycle they’re stuck in—Star worrying, waiting, and forgiving, while Asher takes her love for granted, believing that as long as he comes back, nothing is truly broken. The late-night phone call and Asher’s drunken return home emphasize Star’s exhaustion, not just physically but emotionally.
The final lines introduce a turning point in Star’s mind—for the first time, she questions if love is enough. This moment foreshadows the inevitable breaking point that will push her to leave. It’s a subtle but powerful shift, planting the seed for the growth and transformation both characters will undergo.
This chapter is meant to be raw, frustrating, and heartbreaking, immersing the reader in Star’s emotional turmoil. It makes them feel her pain, her longing, and her slow realization that something has to change—before it’s too late.
Let me know if this captures what you’re envisioning!