On Mystic Lake

Nick recognizes that Izzy has been improving since Annie has been around. He still cannot look at Annie for a long period for fear that she may recognize his longing for her. He is at the courthouse to testify when he runs into Gina Piccolo, a local troubled youth. Gina is unhappy with Nick because she thinks he is there to send her to prison. He tells her that he was once in her shoes and relates his difficult childhood, given that he was unhoused as a child, and that his mother had an addiction to alcohol and had no other recourse but to become a sex worker. He explains how destructive addiction can be.

Annie keeps thinking about Blake’s confession that he is in love with Suzannah. She talks to Natalie on the phone, and talking to her daughter helps Annie feel like parts of herself are returning. Annie understands how not having a mother changes everything for a little girl. She has gotten into a daily routine with Izzy that culminates in board games or videos until it is time for Izzy to go to bed. Nick usually misses dinner, and when he does come home, he smells like alcohol.