The Five Wounds

Brianna is at home on a Saturday night, talking on the phone with her friend, Sierra. Sierra lives in Portland and is on her way out to drinks, dinner, and a club. The two chat about the men they are seeing (Sierra has two boyfriends), and Brianna admits to being ashamed of Amadeo’s lack of education and a steady job. Brianna is still very drawn to him and imagines herself as a “cool” stepmother to Angel. Amadeo recently shared his concern about his daughter’s mental health with Brianna, and Brianna is on the lookout for signs of post-partum depression. When she and Sierra hang up, Brianna texts Amadeo.

Angel and Lizette have been getting together every day after class to work on their project and have sex. Angel envisions a life for the two of them and their children together, but Lizette is a complex, emotionally volatile girl whose hot-and-cold behavior Angel finds confusing. Angel notices that Lizette cuts herself, but does not press her for details.

Angel and Lizette give their presentation, which covers Finland’s childcare culture and policies, to the class. They have done an excellent job, and their project sparks a discussion on democratic socialism, society, and the differences between opportunities for the working poor and working classes in different Western countries.