Summary

In "Afterlives," Daniel, Desmond, and Twig mess around "on Jess's lawn," talking and pretending to fight (213). They form a human pile on the grass, eventually leaving for a "joyride" (213). Throughout the ride, Desmond's "thoughts blur and [his] memory . . . comes in patches" (214). He feels the weight "of keeping secrets" again, wishing he could tell his friends everything (216). While he and Egypt talk, Egypt says she does not want Daniel to apologize.

Later, Daniel and Desmond are the only ones left awake. They talk while Desmond drives. Daniel wants "to tell Des what's on [his] mind," but his "gut remains shaky" (219). As Desmond drives along Daniel's favorite "patch of road," Daniel asks him if he believes "in an afterlife" (220). While he waits for Desmond's response, Daniel thinks about his ancestors, considering the ways in which death begins "a homeward...