Chapter 9

The irritation around Stella’s G-tube worsens, and Dr. Hamid is called to examine the infected site. Dr. Hamid applies an antibacterial cream and says they will have to keep an eye on the infection. Stella hopes the infection doesn’t lead to surgery to remove the G-tube. She doesn’t want to worry her parents. Stella’s mother, Diane, visits her in the hospital cafeteria. Stella notes her mother’s tired, worried state and decides not to tell her about the infected G-tube site. Ever since the divorce, Diane has been more anxious than usual. When Diane tells Stella “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Stella feels overwhelmed. It is clear that Stella feels it is her job to keep her parents sane. After Diane leaves, Stella goes to the gym with Will. Exercising is part of their treatment regimen. Later, the two go to the yoga room so that Will can sketch Stella. Will and Stella always keep a distance of at least six feet between them. As Will compliments Stella for her beautiful eyes, Stella rues the fact that the two will never be able to be physically close to each other. That night, Stella checks Facebook, looking at pictures of her friends in Cabo. She finds an old video of Abby bungee jumping while holding Stella’s favorite childhood toy, Patches, a stuffed panda. Pained at the sight, Stella slams the laptop shut. Later, she climbs into Barb’s lap to be comforted.

Chapter 10

Julie happily notes that Will is showing greater interest in his treatment. Meanwhile, Will has finished his sketch of Stella. It is a cartoon with Stella in a doctor’s coat. Will decides to add angry flames erupting from Stella’s mouth. He addresses the drawing to his “heart and soul” and slides it under Stella’s door. The sound of Stella’s laughter when she finds the drawing gratifies Will. Later, the two speak on FaceTime. Will admires one of Abby’s drawings hung right above Stella’s bed. The sketch depicts a healthy, beautiful pair of lungs with flowers blooming around them. Will tells Stella he would love to see more of Abby’s work and Stella grows awkward, leaving Will puzzled. Later, Hope and Jason visit him, and Will tells them about Stella. The three browse through Stella’s YouTube videos and note that Abby stopped appearing in them about a year ago. It dawns on Will that something bad happened to Abby. The next day at the gym, Will tactlessly asks Stella if Abby died. Stella confirms Abby’s death but is stung by what she perceives as Will’s lack of delicacy. She tells him she has to stay alive at any cost now because losing another child will finish off her parents. Stella walks away from Will in anger. Will realizes he is in love with Stella but can never be with her because of their condition.