Summary

The first chapter begins with Marin [the narrator and main character] remembering her roommate Hannah’s earlier departure for winter break. Before Hannah left the dorm, she lingered in their room, finding excuses not to leave Marin alone just yet for the break. Marin remembers carrying Hannah’s bag downstairs where they hugged goodbye. Hannah told Marin to visit her over break. Marin agreed but was not sure she would actually fulfill this request. When she returned to their room, Marin found an envelope on her pillow from Hannah. She now was staring at said envelope, “trying to not let this tiny object undo” her (2).

Today is the first day of her college’s month-long break. It had been difficult for her to make arrangements to stay in her dorm. The school’s administration wanted her to go back wherever her home was...