The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains a description of sexual assault.

Pen thinks about her involvement in the campus Reeling Society (a kind of traditional dance), and she also contemplates the ball that she and Fergus are chairing together. Alice has been absent for weeks, claiming to be busy with rehearsals. Although Pen knows that something is happening between Alice and Julian, she cautions Jo against mentioning it, telling her that Alice might feel embarrassed or judged by them. Jo has also been absent, claiming to be studying. Missing Sasha and feeling embarrassed, Pen grows increasingly isolated and wishes that she could share her woes with one of her friends.

At rehearsals for Reeling Society, she drinks heavily and enjoys herself by dancing, especially with Fergus. She knows that he has a crush on her, and they kiss at the end of rehearsals, then go back to his room and continue to make out. However, she tells him that she isn’t going to have sex with him and leaves, feeling that she has made the right choice.

Alice has embarked on an affair with Julian and meets him in his office every Tuesday afternoon. He also meets her after rehearsals and at random times throughout the week, taking her to his apartment.