"Una nursed while softly banging her head. Alissa could barely feel her. The computer was on and displayed in succession the same images of her and him, a hypnotic world before waking. Una stared at her with her blue eyes that seemed frosted over. A dead leaf caught in the air conditioner fan grated the silence. It seemed like time could stand still for hours, and Alissa could think of no one to seek out. How could things have become so merciless, without the hope of future recourse or alternative? Alissa could not get over what she had allowed to happen. This couldn't be the life that had been promised her.
"Alissa and Richard were known as the sexiest couple on campus. From their love, Una had just been born. It's summertime: the California sky is spectacular, the air conditioners hum in the apartment building where they've just moved. Left alone with the baby whose total dependence moves her and overwhelms her, Alissa sinks inexorably into doubt. But the moment of choice has passed. There is no going back."
