Anne Beattie is an American author born in 1947. She published her first short story collection, "Distortions", in 1976 and her debut novel "Chilly Scenes of Winter" that same year. Her stories often focus on relationships and explore themes of dissatisfaction in marriage and work. One story, "Weekend", centers around a woman named Lenore who suspects her partner George of cheating after he regularly invites former students and companions to stay with them. During one such weekend, George and another woman, Sarah, disappear for a long walk alone in the woods, confirming Lenore's suspicions.