The provided text is an extended excerpt from a novel, focusing intensely on the narrator, Julie's, tumultuous emotional and psychological state as she grapples with the fallout of her husband, Ronan's, affair. The narrative chronicles Julie's erratic and destructive behaviors, which range from smashing up an apartment and blending pet fish to confrontational meetings with Ronan and his mistress, Nicole. Much of the conflict revolves around Ronan's desire to leave, Julie's desperation to save the marriage (or at least inflict pain), and the contrasting perspectives of her loyal but blunt friend, Sylvana, and her supportive mother. The text concludes with Julie finally ending the marriage, selling their apartment, and ultimately extending an unexpected offer of housing and friendship to Nicole and her baby, even as Nicole departs for a new life abroad.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.