Summary

In “Before,” Chapter 1, Greta’s brother Asher calls urging her to join their father, Conrad, on his Alaskan cruise. Greta says the cruise is “the last thing” she needs (3). She has been depressed since her mother Helen’s death three months ago. She has not performed live for two months either. Greta says she cannot do the cruise because she has to be in New York “for Gov Ball” (5). Asher insists the cruise is not only for Conrad.

In “Saturday,” Chapter 2, Greta meets Conrad in Vancouver. She scoffs at the ship’s name, Escape. Conrad and Helen planned to take the cruise for their fortieth anniversary. Helen invited their family friends, Davis and Mary Foster and Todd and Eleanor Bloom, to join. Greta has known the couples since her childhood and is close with the Foster’s “youngest son, Jason” (11). Greta is glad...