Defibrillator

Brought on by Jason’s efforts to save Vivian, the code team arrives to revive her. Vivian has suffered so long to bring her back to life for even more suffering would be cruel. The defibrillator in this context reminds us medical technologies must be applied with human sensitivity.

Hospital

Vivian stays in the hospital several days for each treatment over the course of eight months. As the cycles progress, she becomes less mobile until finally she remains an inpatient. All of her tests and exams happen at the hospital. So does her death.

Wheelchair

Susie wheels Vivian from one test to another in the wheelchair. Vivian is too weak to walk on her own.

The Runaway Bunny

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Brown Wise is a children’s book E.M. Ashford reads to Vivian when she comes to visit. She first suggests Donne but Vivian...