Summary

In the next section, Vows, 2009, “The Mighty Red,” Kismet and her friends Stockton, Ally, and Brianna walk “over to the train bridge” the night before Kismet’s wedding (105). They dangle their feet over the edge while drinking. Then they strip down to their underwear and “let themselves fall off the bridge” (105). The river is high and icy. Kismet’s bridesmaids manage to get out of the water, but Kismet “let[s] the current clutch her” (105). While floating, she realizes she cannot marry Gary. She considers letting herself drown but realizes she must survive.

In “The Red Ladder,” first responders Ordie and Eric race to the river after getting the call about Kismet. Eric wants to help Kismet, but is also curious about what is going on at Kismet’s house, where police are meeting with Crystal and Father Flirty. Word got out that Martin...