The First Stone

Frank introduces Reef to Jim Granter at the rehab center. Granter is a cheerful, loud, fast talker. He also meets Shelly Simpson, the volunteer coordinator. She reminds him of a pretty version of Frank. Jim was one of her patients 10 years ago after he had broken his back. During the intake interview, Reef says he’s most comfortable working one-on-one or assisting the staff. He doesn’t want to work with stroke patients since a stroke killed his grandfather. Finally, they assign him to the musculoskeletal issue floor.

Carly introduces him to Brett Turner, who gives him a tour. Reef is worried because everyone needs so much help. He realizes that Brett reminds him of Scar: “Their similarity lay more in their manner: completely genuine. What you saw was what you got” (169). Brett tells Reef about the injury that brought her here: Her parachute didn’t open when she went skydiving with her husband.

On the way back to North Hill, Frank tells Reef that Jink and Bigger are visiting soon. The thought makes him uneasy, but he doesn’t know why.