Summary

In “Prologue,” Ash and Jude wake Jude’s wife and Ash’s best friend Edi at Sloan Kettering. When they asked the social worker about Edi’s treatment, she informed them there was nothing else they could do for Edi’s cancer. They would have to pursue “palliative care” (2). Sloan wanted Edi out by the next day. Ash suggested a hospice in Western Massachusetts near her. Although Jude lived in New York, he agreed. They woke Edi to ask what she wanted.

In Chapter 1, “the hospice music therapist,” Cedar, visits Edi’s room (7). When Edi was admitted to Graceful Shepherd Hospice, or Shapely, as the friends have been calling it, three weeks prior, the hospice estimated that Edi would be there “a week or two” (8). Ash has grown accustomed to Shapely, although time passes slowly and rapidly at once.

After Cedar leaves...