Chapter 7 It wasn't like Maxine'd never cooked for him . Brian's health had always been shaky , with a long list of foods he couldn't touch . Sebastian , buried in work , had picked up a stomach issue over the years . To look after them , Maxine used to drag herself out of bed early to whip up meals , even when her law firm job ate up all her time . She'd skip sleep just to make sure they had something homemade . Most of it ended up in the trash . After a while , Maxine took the hint and stopped bothering . " I hate you ! " Brian's emotions burst out as he bolted to his room . Maxine didn't blink . She grabbed a water bottle from the fridge , popped the cap , and took a slow sip . Her calm vibe made Sebastian's brow crease . Lately , his wife seemed … off . He blamed it on her recent hospital stay after the accident . " If you're not up for cooking , let Alisson take over , " he said casually . " You should chill for a bit . " Maxine just gave a half - shrug . Later that night , as they got ready for bed , Sebastian spoke up . " Brian's got a school break soon , and I'm not swamped at work for once . Wanna hit Six Flags ? " He hesitated , then added , " Didn't you always wanna go ? " Maxine's eyes flickered , but the excitement she once felt was gone . That dream was from five years back , when Six Flags first opened . Brian was starting to push her away then , shutting her out at every turn . She'd hoped a fun day at the park might bring them closer . But Sebastian , her heart . endless work schedule kept delaying the trip , and it became a quiet ache in ' Maybe , before everything fall apart , I could make it happen , ' she thought . " Alright , " she said softly , nodding . Sebastian's tense look eased . His eyes flicked to the bedside calendar , lingered a beat , then moved on . Three days later , Brian was free from school , and Sebastian had sorted his work . They hit the road for Six Flags . Brian , as always , claimed shotgun , shoving Maxine to the back . Since she'd mentioned divorce , Brian had been ice - cold - glaring , huffing , but stealing glances to check her vibe . Maxine got it . He wasn't her everything anymore , and it was messing with his head . " Yo , gimme water , " Brian said , eyeing her . Maxine didn't bite , just closed her eyes and leaned against the window . He called out , " Hey- " Chapter 7 " Deal with it , " Sebastian cut in , shutting Brian down . Maxine stayed quiet , soaking up the rare peace . Half an hour later , they rolled up to the park . Brian had never done anything like this , and despite his too - cool act , he was practically buzzing He yanked Sebastian toward the pirate ship ride . Sebastian didn't push back . He glanced at Maxine . " If it's too wild , just hang back ." Brian smirked . " She's gonna chicken out . She's scared of her own shadow . If Kathleen was here , she'd beat me to the line . C'mon , Dad , leave her . " Maxine swallowed a retort . ' Should've popped out a burger instead of this kid ' She didn't engage , just snagged her ticket and followed . On the pirate ship , Brian shrieked like a toddler , while Maxine was all grins . When they climbed off , her face was glowing , and Brian looked like he'd seen a ghost . She tossed him a look . " Kinda weak , huh , kid ? " With that , she strutted off , leaving Brian fuming . " Y - You're the weak one ! " he yelled , scrambling after her . Sebastian watched Maxine go , lost in thought . After all these years married , he rarely saw her this alive - like a faded photo suddenly popping with color . Not one to back down , Brian insisted on the roller coaster next . One crazy loop later , he stumbled off , legs wobbling , nearly face - planting . Maxine grabbed him with a laugh . " Tapping out already ? " " No way ! " he shot back , voice shaky . " I'm good ! " " Hey , you guys want a pic ? " A perky photographer bounced over , grinning . " Y'all are too cute together . " Gotta snap this moment - three shots for seven bucks , deal ? " Sebastian , never big on photos , started to wave it off , but Maxine chimed in . " Hell yeah . Make us look good , alright ? " She flashed a smile , sending the payment . Knew this was probably their last family photo . She flashed a smile , sending the payment . This was probably their last family photo . Brian pouted but didn't fight it . The photographer clapped , all hyped . " Okay , Mom and Dad , snuggle up ! Kid , big smile ! " Three , two- " Sebastian's phone buzzed . He checked the screen and stepped aside to answer .