The Choice

Travis Parker reflects on his life in the present day of February 2007 in the coastal region of Beaufort, North Carolina. Travis, a successful veterinarian at the age of 43, reminisces about the stories his father used to tell him during his childhood. He contemplates how his own life has become a compelling story but hints at a challenging event that has recently impacted him. As Travis heads into the hospital, carrying flowers for his wife, he is overwhelmed with a series of memories. 

The chapter commences with Travis and his friend Matt engaged in the installation of a hot tub on a Saturday. After the installation, the group expands to include Laird and Joe, along with their respective families. The children revel in the hot tub, prompting Travis to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life. He contemplates the enduring bond he shares with his friends, forged through various life stages, such as college. He states that life’s trajectory is uncertain, acknowledging the potential for outcomes like death, divorce, or addiction. A lighthearted teasing from a friend’s wife about Travis’s dating life ensues, culminating in the wives signaling that it’s time to head home.