Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of child abuse, alcohol addiction, miscarriage, attempted suicide, and police brutality against Black people.

At her infertility consultation, Tabby finds that the office personnel lack human emotion. She wishes that more people would ask her if the things they propose are okay with her. Dr. Young scolds Tabby for not using protection during sex. He explains that Tabby’s numbers are low, and she will likely need to undergo three egg retrievals to secure enough eggs for future IVF. The billing manager informs Tabby that the procedure will cost at least $36,000. Tabby thinks about all the vacations, cars, and luxury items that she skipped over to save for a house that she can no longer afford. She makes the $2,000 payment to reserve her first treatment.

Needing to be with her friends, Tabby attends Alexis’s open house after all the other interested buyers leave. Laila also agrees to come over, which surprises Tabby. Laila has been quiet and distant recently. Tabby loves the home that Alexis has flipped, and she feels jealous of the family that will purchase it. When Laila notices Alexis’s missing wedding rings, Alexis briefly tells her about Rob’s infidelity.