The Cost of Knowing

In Brittney Morris’s magical realism novel, Alex’s psychic powers enmesh him in the conflict between fate and free will. At the beginning of the story, Alex feels powerless to oppose destiny. Whenever he tries to change what he sees in his visions, his attempts end in failure. As a result, he becomes defeated and resigned: “Better, and less humiliating, to just lie low and let fate happen” (6). However, Alex learns to exercise his free will and take a more active role in his life after he sees his brother’s burial. His fight against fate isn’t a direct attack. Knowing that his visions are immutable, he understands that he can’t prevent Isaiah’s death. Instead, he changes the narrative by rebuilding his relationship with Isaiah. He ensures that his little brother’s last days are filled with joy and purpose, and he becomes determined to break the curse: “[I]f nothing else happens before Isaiah dies, if I get nothing else right, if I can’t make up for years of not being there for him, I have to help him get rid of these visions” (97). Alex’s burning resolution to free himself and Isaiah from their visions forms a stark contrast with his earlier resignation.