The Choice

 “Guilt was the cornerstone of any good marriage. It meant that a conscience was at work, values were held in high esteem, and reason to feel guilty were best avoided whenever possible.”

This quote establishes Gabby’s beliefs about marriage at the novel’s outset. It comes from her own experience with Kevin and is based on her parents’ relationship, setting up the emotional journey she makes before beginning her relationship with Travis. It also sets the tone for the heavy decision-making Travis must go through as he makes his choice about Gabby’s life support.

“But things change. People change. Change was one of the inevitable laws of nature, exacting its toll on people’s lives. Mistakes are made, regrets form, and all that was left were repercussions that made something as simple as rising from the bed seem almost laborious.”

This quote reflects on the inevitability of change in life and its profound impact on individuals. The statement suggests that change is a fundamental and natural aspect of existence, affecting people in various ways. The mention of mistakes and regrets implies that these changes may arise from decisions or actions that individuals come to lament, highlighting the theme of Choices and Their Consequences.

“That’s the thing about being the product of happily married parents. You grow up thinking the fairy tale is real, and more than that, you think you’re entitled to live it.”

The quote reflects how Gabby feels about her relationship with Kevin, which begins to shift after she meets Travis. She mistakenly believed that because her parents’ marriage was happy, hers would be too, no matter whom she married. She soon discovers that Kevin is not the person she ought to be with and begins looking seriously at a relationship with Travis.