Detroit

Detroit becomes the destination of Barbara Sabich’s planned move and the geographic marker of her separation from Rusty Sabich. More than four hundred miles from Kindle County, and a city Rusty recalls visiting only once, it lies outside the familiar world of their shared home; Barbara’s job there gives the separation a concrete direction and timetable.

Distance and setting

Detroit is introduced through Rusty’s effort to place Wayne State on the map: it is not in Kindle County or within four hundred miles of him, but in a city he has visited once. His recognition of the name confirms the destination without making it familiar. That distance gives Barbara’s decision a practical force beyond the announcement itself: her new work will take her well away from the county where Rusty remains.

Barbara’s move to Wayne State

Barbara tells Rusty that she has accepted a job for the January term at Wayne State. The position had originally been for the September term, and she had expected to tell him in April. After the turmoil surrounding the case, the university gave her an extension; she says she changed her mind repeatedly before deciding that moving was best. Detroit is thus linked not simply to a new appointment but to a choice Barbara has postponed and reconsidered.

Family consequences

Barbara intends to take Nathaniel Sabich with her, answering Rusty’s question about where their son will live with unmistakable firmness. Rusty briefly considers whether he could go to court to stop her, then recognizes that he has had enough of litigation. Later, after he and Barbara have split up, he explains that Nathaniel is with him only until Barbara gets settled in Detroit. The city therefore marks both the destination of Barbara’s new life and the temporary arrangement that keeps Rusty and his son together before the move.