Summary

Vigil employs the first-person narration of Jill. In the opening pages, it appears that Jill is an angel sent to comfort the dying in their last moments. This interpretation of Jill's identity becomes more complex as the novel progresses.

The novel begins with Jill materializing outside the home of oil tycoon K.J. Boone as he awaits death inside. As Jill makes her way toward his bedroom, the furnishings and decorations make it clear how wealthy and influential Boone has been throughout his life. As Jill approaches Boone’s bedside, she is allowed to enter his thoughts. Jill notices that he is unusually lacking feelings of doubt about what he had done and not done in his life. Jill describes her role as offering comfort and considers this her task.

Looking out of the window, Jill sees someone outside who was also able...