Summary

In Chapter 1, in February 2003, Bill attends his first demonstration against President Bush. He has never been involved in a political group before, but he believes the war proposed by Bush is an unfair use of 9/11. The police move in to break up the demonstration when people begin breaking store windows. When Bill backs away, he bumps into a woman who falls, twisting her ankle.

In Chapter 2, as a fifteen-year-old living with his grandmother and grandfather, Bill remembers the guilt he felt after stealing from his grandmother. His grandfather covers for his crime, and Bill confesses to him later. Bill’s grandfather chastens Bill for disappointing his grandmother when she works so hard to see that his needs are met.

In Chapter 3, back at the protest, Bill is smitten by Seema, the woman he has injured. He takes her to urgent care to...