Summary

In Chapter 1, in March 2010, Serena Drew and her boyfriend, James waited at the busy Philadelphia train station "for the next train to Baltimore" (3). They had just had lunch with James's parents (3). It was Serena's first visit with his family. Though it had gone well, Serena felt tired.

While waiting, Serena saw someone she thought was her cousin, Nicholas, but she could not "say for certain" (5). Surprised, James suggested she say hi. Serena made an excuse.

While getting a soda, James introduced himself to Nicholas. Then he encouraged the cousins to talk. He was even more surprised when they remembered little about one another's lives. Their family memories were patchy and inexact.

On the train, James tried talking to Serena about Nicholas. He thought her family must have "some deep dark secret" that kept them from staying in touch (10). Serena ignored him. Then they...