Summary

Anthony, "Tony" Webster, the narrator and central protagonist, begins the novel with a set of random memories, all of which relate in some way to water and later events that the reader will make connections to. Tony mentions the ability of time to change at the will of the individual and how age and emotions can drastically alter it.

Tony begins his account in high school, with the disclaimer that his memory might not be the same as it once was. He introduces Adrian Finn, a shy but brilliant and intelligent boy, as the fourth member of his group. Adrian seems to be joking in class, which is why the boys approach him, but they soon find out that he is more serious than not. Adrian declined to join the friends in wearing their watches with the clock...