Beautiful Disaster

Abby has plans to go home with America for Thanksgiving break, since Abby’s mom has an alcohol addiction. Travis admits he hasn’t told his family they broke up and they still expect her to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving. Abby feels she should keep her promise. They share a room at the Maddox house and Abby observes the old paneling, worn brown carpet, peeling paint, and old family photos. Travis helps Abby prepare the night before for the meal. When Travis leaves the room, his father, Jim, tells Abby that after his mother’s death Travis “quit trying to love people” (308). Jim goes on to explain to Abby that while Travis may be difficult, “[Y]ou have to love him anyway, Abby. You’re the only woman he’s loved besides his mother. I don’t know what it’ll do to him if you leave him, too” (308). Abby allows Travis to sleep in the bed with her. He says he knows they’re not getting back together and he never once believed he was good enough for her. Abby says they’re not good for each other.

The next morning, it snows, and Abby wakes up in bed with Travis. She realizes she wants to be with him despite everything.