Summary

The Prologue is titled “Auburn.” Auburn is aware she is entering the hospital for the last time. She sees the nurse who always gives her a pitying look, passes by the chapel and break room, and knocks at Adam's hospital room door – all for the last time. To Auburn, Adam's voice seems hopeful. One of his bed rails is down and Auburn gets in beside him. She notices that he is paler, weaker, and cold. She has watched this process knowing no one can do anything to change it. She tries not to cry, feeling that would tarnish the memory of this final visit. Auburn and Adam began dating after Adam and his parents moved to Portland, Oregon. When Adam became ill, his parents transferred him to Dallas, Texas, thinking “it would be better if he could be near his brother and everyone else...