Orbiting Jupiter

Joseph tells the Hurds the story of his relationship with Madeleine Joyce, or Maddie. Their relationship begins when Joseph’s father works as a plumber for her wealthy family. Maddie spends most of her time home alone with her nanny because both of her parents are busy lawyers. After meeting her while helping his dad, Joseph returns to her house to spend time with her. They spend the entirety of a summer together, meeting up whenever her parents are away. She respects his trauma and “never ask[s] him why his face look[s] so beat up” (71).

When Maddie leaves to go to school in another town, Joseph starts to write to her every day. When Maddie comes back for Thanksgiving, Joseph tries to see her, but Maddie’s nanny refuses to let him into the house. He is unable to see her again until she comes home for Christmas. They spend time together again that winter, and Joseph falls in love with Maddie. One night, while Maddie pretends to skate on a frozen river in her boots, she and Joseph spot Jupiter in the night sky. Joseph tells her it is his favorite planet.

On his final visit of the winter, Joseph and Maddie talk about his mother.