The Rosie Effect

Eugenie reports that she took Don’s advice, and asks Don to talk to her brother Carl, who is angry at their father Gene. Don finds it odd that Carl’s parents are both psychologists, but he, “a physical scientist hardwired to understand logic and ideas ahead of interpersonal dynamics—had been selected to counsel their son” (140). He talks with Rosie about scheduling an appointment for an ultrasound and guilts her for drinking alcohol while pregnant. He receives a package from Rosie’s father, Phil, containing a ring that belonged to Rosie’s mother. Phil reminds Don that it is traditional to give one’s wife an eternity ring for their first anniversary. Gene tells Don to put himself in Phil’s shoes, reminding him that in the car accident that killed Rosie’s mother, Phil made the difficult decision to save Rosie instead of his wife. Gene says he will help Don plan an anniversary. 

Don tries to persuade Rosie to exercise, but she refuses. He has a nightmare of flying a spaceship, and Rosie drifting away from him in a capsule. She tells him that she will plan their anniversary. Their friends Isaac and Judy take Don to a museum. He returns with a red rose to find Rosie has cooked them dinner.