If I'm correct it was fairly early on.
The context argument/challenge does zilch to change the meaning, cyn. Not only did Damon speak of her in the past tense, but the entire thought was that of going on with the boys and without her.
I realize that you adore the van Dams and would elect them co-chairpersons of the PTA, but at some point, the sleaze they are and their poor parenting has to be faced.