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Rose has never felt comfortable staying in one place. Rose's childhood is upset by the death of her father, leaving her alone with a mother who does the best she can, raising a child on her own. As Rose grows up, she sees her mother derive peace from her religion, so Rose tries to do the same. Rose thinks God will give her a sign when it is time to make choices about her future, about the life she is supposed to live. When Rose meets Thomas Clinton, she thinks he is her sign. Rose believes she is supposed to get married and raise a family. However, the moment Rose is married, she realizes she does not love her husband. Soon a pain develops in her chest, a need to escape. After Thomas teaches her to drive, Rose drives everywhere, hoping that the constant movement will remove that pain from her chest. Unfortunately, it only grows. When Rose learns she is pregnant, she has to get away before Thomas, or her mother, find out.