Summary

In “Ben,” Ben, Maura, and Hank met up at “a massive sporting facility” on the Hudson River (143). Hank taught them how to golf. While playing, Ben thought about Claire. They had broken up after Claire opened both of their boxes without Ben’s consent. Because Ben had a short string, Claire left him.

In “Hank,” Hank sat by the water and watched Maura and Ben golf. He thought about Anika and the “peculiar new world” the strings had created (151). He remembered an incident with a young girl awaiting a lung transplant. Her mother had been positive because the girl had a long string.

In “Jack,” Jack woke from a dream “of his grandfather” (152). Grandpa Cal had been Jack’s only ally in the family. Jack remembered his stories about his fellow soldier and friend Simon. On the day of Cal’s funeral, Jack...