Summary

Chapter 1 is titled “Fellow Travelers.” James Bowen, narrator and author, said he read an adage that “each of us is given second chances every day of our lives” (1). These opportunities are available all the time, but most people do not take them. Looking back on his life, James felt he was proof of that, having ignored many chances leading up to the spring of 2007 when he “befriended Bob.” He felt that act may have been a second chance for both of them.

James and Belle were climbing the stairs to James's apartment. He always had his guitar case and a rucksack. He and Belle had dated for awhile but were friends by that time. They planned to spend the evening eating cheap take-out food and watching television. James heard a cat and saw its eyes. He had cats as a child and “always...