Chapters 1 through 3 Summary

As the story opens, there was a hairpin curve with a piece of metal in the road. Several cars missed it but the car driven by Nick's father doesn't miss it and the car careens out of control, striking another car head-on. Nick is one of three children in the back seat and he isn't wearing a seat belt because there isn't one available. He is on his way to a wedding and is eating a chocolate bar. In the other car, Allie has just taken off her seat belt to adjust her blouse. When the cars strike, Allie and Nick each fly out of their seats and through the windshields. Allie is aware of her body traveling down a tunnel toward light, then she bumps into someone who has the distinct smell of chocolate - Nick. They both fall asleep...