Bree is a young Indigenous woman confronting a troubled family history. Her father has been in a year-long texting relationship with someone named “Uneasy in Maryland.” It’s become apparent that Bree doesn’t want anything to do with her father. She is equally excited about “Uneasy in Maryland.” The continuing narrative has exposed an alarming pattern of harmful misogynoir rooted in the family and negligent financial dealings that are lauded by health advocates.
Alyssa, the daughter of the late niece of the famous advice columnist “Dear Abby,” is going through a health crisis. She is now on the kidney transplant list and requires further assistance. Dear Abby, created by Abigail Van Buren—otherwise known as Jeanne Phillips—was started by her mother, Pauline Phillips. This familial connection adds another layer of complexity to the existing situation, as Bree’s request to “Uneasy in Maryland” is to refrain from discussing Alyssa’s health needs.
The connection between Bree’s father and “Uneasy in Maryland” has been one of tension for a decade. She hasn’t talked to him in ten years. Their silence is the result of a longstanding problem concerning the manner in which the man cared for their now-deceased parents. This backdrop of familial discord adds to the strain in Bree’s tremendously strained plight. In order to survive, Alyssa is going to need a kidney transplant. As Bree finds out, even once she’s decided to donate a kidney, hers may not even match.
Worried about her family’s future, Bree has done everything to make the story sound true and believable. Her father has been secretly sending money to Bree by texting her cash. That begs the question—why is he personally conducting these trades? Due to these risks, “Uneasy in Maryland” passionately urges Bree to discontinue any contact with her dad. They suggest that she cut him off financially.
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