Fly Away

The narrative switches to Marah’s point of view. She lives a bohemian lifestyle in Portland, Oregon where she works at a New Age bookstore. After ignoring calls from Johnny, Marah finally returns his call when he notifies her via text that the matter is an emergency. Marah asks a roommate, Paxton, to fly to LA with her.

During the flight, Marah recalls the numerous times before Kate’s cancer diagnosis when they fought—often about Marah’s clothing or her desire to spend time with friends. She then recalls the gathering at her home after the funeral. After her friends paid their condolences, Kate snuck out to join them for a movie. Finally, she recalls being angry at Johnny for forcing her to attend the Hawaii trip and for moving the family from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Marah recalls moving to Los Angeles. She longs for her familiar house, furniture, and friends, making no effort to fit in or make friends at her new school. Marah goes through the motions of school, content to be invisible to everyone, including Johnny. She remains close to Tully, feeling that Tully is the only one who is honest with her about the pain Kate’s death has caused.