After over a year of radio silence, Benjamin gets an email from Anna and they start an epistolary relationship. 

Songs: 

"I Fall To Pieces" - Patsy Cline

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=U-zI6Eu4QiOhGrIkIcWujQ

After Benjamin and Sophia spend the first good day they've had all year, he thinks they've turned the corner. However, at dinner that night, it's clear they're still a chasm apart from reconciliation. When Sophia retires for the night, Benjamin goes outside to sit on his old wicker chair again, and feels as down as he's been since Catherine died. 

Songs: 

"Rich as Fuck" - Lil Wayne

"Wild Mountain Thyme" - Fotheringay

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=XStMr0YqQn2PPzcdfcnqeg

Sophia cancels on Benjamin at the last minute leaving him alone on a Saturday night. Over the course of the evening, Benjamin gets told off by Angela, watches the Dodgers, becomes master of his domain, sits in Sophia's room and reminisces about the good times then peeks at something he shouldn't have. 

Songs: 

“Road” – Nick Drake

“A Little Is Enough” – Pete Townshend

“Backstreets” – Bruce Springsteen

“Cypress Avenue” – Van Morrison

Check out to ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=70I_xOeOR6KyVkrcoVwujQ

It's six weeks post-Christmas party, and while the shock has worn off, Sophia keeps withdrawing and the tension remains high. She finally confronts Benjamin about what happened the night of the Christmas party, and then has some very pointed questions. Benjamin asks her if things can get back to where it was, but she tells him it's not time.

Songs: 

"When I Stop Dreaming" - Louvin Brothers

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=4eZZ77dyRoW-TupOSrTKzg

Benjamin confesses to Cassandra what happened the night of the Christmas party, and how bad things now are with Sophia. He finally acquiesces to taking meds. 

Benjamin and the now 14 year old Sophia go to Anna and Keith's Christmas party. Benjamin drifts out to the kitchen where Anna is making hors d'oeuvres. As the conversation ensues, Benjamin goes from nursing his scotch to gulping it, and things get tense and confrontational. Benjamin storms off capping another fateful night in his history.

Songs: 

"White Christmas" - Darlene Love  

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=LmDcYwlYQ9mMkmUfCoNhRQ

Catherine's parents, Gene and Lucy, are in town and want to have dinner at El Coyote with Benjamin and Sophia. Sophia and Benjamin roam the crowded iconic restaurant looking for them and bump into Benjamin's college friends who know about his feelings for Anna. When Benjamin finally sits down with Gene and Lucy, it's more like an interrogation and status report with his parole officers.  

On the drive home from work, Benjamin gets a call from Sophia who asks him for permission to go away for the weekend to Coachella. He says no, and Sophia snaps triggering a panic attack in Benjamin. He doesn't know who to call but finally calls Anna who comes to the rescue, and they share a moment.

Songs: 

"Electric Feel" - MGMT

"Rebellion (Lies)" - Arcade Fire

"Peace Piece" - Bill Evans

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=qDrgd79KTh2oZ-_94cDdoA

With Cassandra's warning ringing in his ears, Benjamin sits Sophia down for "The Talk." She initially recoils, but when Benjamin tells her it's a lot more than learning about sex, but rather having a set of non-negotiable rules she needs to define about herself, it becomes a bonding experience for the two of them. 

Songs: 

"Dragon Lady" - The Geraldine Fibbers

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=8MAzgABYQxqjMqbSlWJ8dQ

Benjamin shares with Cassandra he's coming down with an early case of empty nest syndrome. She continues to challenge him about his refusal to stay out of a relationship until after Sophia goes off to college. When he won't budge, she confronts him with a question that puts his whole modus operandi into question, 

"You Can Make It If You Try" - Sly & The Family Stone

Check out the ETCBG Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2WkzxfcBkx5Z4g12XVU9lR?si=7mZGqcDhSAKGE7_-3Ta-Pw