Summary

In Chapter 5, Becca returns to her father's home in Portland. Clint is dying from cancer and is a shell of his former self. Becca's mother, who lives with her boyfriend George in San Francisco, has encouraged Becca to speak with her father. Clint's girlfriend Jackie is there, helping nurse him through his illness. Jackie, who is actually a nurse, tells Becca she suspects Clint has less than a week or two to live. Becca feels bad for thinking of Jackie as a "tart" and admires her for staying by her father's side (40). Becca thinks Jackie should have packed her bags and left Clint already, just as her mother did when Becca was 16. Clint has had many 'lady friends' that never stayed around for long. Becca has never been able to comprehend why her father behaved like he did in the past. She reflects...