Summary

In Chapter 22, "Kaui, 2008, San Diego," Kaui struggled to navigate her relationship with Van. Then Malia called to say Noa was dead. Kaui hid her grief in her work. On the phone with her parents, Kaui noticed Augie seemed changed. Malia dismissed her questions. She encouraged Kaui to keep investing in her life on the mainland, wishing she had done the same as a young woman. One night, something shifted between Kaui and Van. Van was gentle and asked about Noa. Kaui cried for the first time since his death. Not long after, the friends went to a party. Kaui and Van were lost in each other. They went upstairs and started kissing. Van pushed Kaui away, calling her disgusting. Hurt, Kaui ran out, leaving Van drunk on the bed with a herd of boys outside the door. Realizing she abandoned Van in a...