The Affair with Nick

Traces Offred's secret sexual relationship with Nick, from the first encounter in the sitting room to regular meetings and the possibility of pregnancy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Encounter in the Sitting Room

First Encounter in the Sitting Room The Illegal Meeting Offred sneaks into the sitting room to steal a daffodil. Nick appears, having been sent by the Commander to summon her. They stand close, touching. Offred feels his hand on her arm, his mouth on hers. Both are shaking. It is too dangerous, but the desire is overwhelming. The Whispered Message Nick whispers that the Commander wants to see her. Offred is confused. She thinks about the hanged men on the Wall. She wants to stay with Nick, but they push each other away. He tells her to come to his room tomorrow. She leaves, trembling. The Aftermath Offred lies in bed, feeling like the sound of glass. She thinks of Luke, of her daughter. She realizes she is a missing person. She wants a real body to hold. The encounter with Nick has awakened something in her.

Serena's Proposal

Serena's Proposal The Wool Winding Serena Joy calls Offred to the garden to hold a skein of wool. She winds slowly, her crippled hands working. She asks if Offred is pregnant yet. Offred says no. Serena suggests she try another man, specifically Nick. She says she will arrange it. The Bargain Offred is shocked but considers it. Serena offers a picture of Offred's daughter as a reward. Offred agrees. Serena gives her a cigarette and a match, a small token. Offred feels collusion and betrayal. She knows this is dangerous but sees no other option. The First Night with Nick That night, Offred goes to Nick's room over the garage. He is waiting. They have sex without preliminaries. Offred feels alive in her skin again. She knows it might only be once, but she is grateful.

Regular Meetings

Regular Meetings The Reckless Routine Offred begins visiting Nick regularly, without Serena's knowledge. She takes stupid chances, sneaking through the kitchen and across the lawn. Each time she expects to be caught, but she doesn't care. The fear is a powerful stimulant. The Intimacy In Nick's room, they make love in the dark, lit only by the searchlight. Offred keeps her eyes open, wanting to memorize him. She tells him things she shouldn't: about Moira, about Ofglen. She tells him her real name. He talks little but watches her face. The Possibility of Pregnancy Offred puts Nick's hand on her belly and says she thinks it has happened. He says the Commander will love her to death, and so will Serena. Offred wants the child to be Nick's. She feels she has made a life for herself, of a sort.

The Escape Plan

The Escape Plan The New Ofglen After the Salvaging, Offred's shopping partner is replaced. The new Ofglen is cold and warns her. Offred realizes Ofglen has been caught and hanged herself. She is terrified. Nick's Warning Nick tells Offred that it's Mayday and she must go with the men who come. She is suspicious but trusts him. He calls her by her real name. She has no choice. The Black Van The black van arrives. Nick escorts her down the stairs. Serena Joy and the Commander are there, shocked. The men say she is being taken for violation of state secrets. Offred steps into the van, into the darkness or the light. She does not know if it is rescue or execution.

night after the Birth Day

afternoon in the garden, mid-summer

late summer, several nights a week

after the Salvaging, near the ending