Summary

In Part I, Chapter 1, David Burroughs is serving a life sentence at Briggs Penitentiary in Maine for killing his three-year-old son Matthew. Five years into his sentence, he still insists he is innocent. When the “forewoman read the verdict,” David showed no emotion (4). The only thing that mattered was that Matthew was dead. Because he failed to protect him, David felt guilty although he did not commit the crime. Redemption therefore feels impossible.

No one visits David. Although some family and friends tried visiting during the first year, David “wouldn’t let them in" (5). He also would not see his now ex-wife Cheryl.

Then one day, the guard Curly tells David he has a visitor. While walking to see them, David mentally replays the night of the murder. What he most remembers is the blood. It has haunted him. Because David...