Chapter 23

As Will and Stella slide on the pond’s frozen surface, Stella feels a reckless happiness. Just then she receives a text message from Barb saying that she has matched for a pair of lungs and urgently needs to return to the hospital for the transplant. In a euphoric state, Stella ignores the message, choosing to live in the now with Will rather than undergo another medical procedure. She doesn’t tell Will about Barb’s text. Stella rushes over to hug Will, breaking the five feet rule. Will tells her he wants to be intimate with her but that it is too risky for them.

Chapter 24

The two walk away from the pond, which has begun to crack, and climb onto a bridge. Just then, Will gets a text from Barb about Stella’s approved status. He urges Stella to return to the hospital immediately because the lung transplant is her “chance for a real life.” Stella is indifferent to the suggestion. Will feels he has made Stella reckless and regrets it. He decides to call the hospital so that someone can come get Stella. Stella moves to stop him and, in the process, falls off the bridge on which they are standing. She lands on the cracking pond underneath and falls through the ice.