Dallas

Dallas is the overall setting for most of the novel. In reality, Dallas is a sprawling metropolis in central Texas that is very different from Auburn's home in Portland, Oregon. Auburn faces some challenges here, including that she has very little money and no car, meaning she either walks or uses public transit to get around. There are several specific settings described in the story.

Adam's Studio

Adam's studio is a storefront that Auburn passes on her way to work. The first floor is a large, open area that is used only for displaying the art. The walls are white and there is lighting designed to highlight each painting. The windows are completely covered with pieces of paper that are the confessions people have written. Owen uses some of the confessions as inspiration for his paintings. Owen has a separate workroom where he paints, and his living area...