In the early summer of 1965, Juliet's temporary post at Torrance House School ends. Before she heads home, Juliet decides to visit a friend in Whale Bay, a small place north of Vancouver. On the way to visit him, however, she begins to doubt her decision. Juliet is twenty-one years old, and she met Eric Porteous on her train out to begin her post at Torrance House School. At the beginning of Juliet's journey, a different man had taken the seat across from her and tried to make conversation. Juliet was uninterested in talking with the man, and soon left for the observation car. The train had stopped briefly before it began its journey once more, but suddenly was jolted to an abrupt stop. It came to light that the man who had tried to make conversation with Juliet had thrown himself in front of the train. Juliet felt terrible, like she was responsible for the man's suicide. Juliet struck up conversation with Eric Porteous, who assured her the man's death was not her fault. Though Juliet felt attracted to Eric, she knew that nothing could happen between them because he was married to a woman named Ann. When Juliet arrives in Whale Bay to visit Eric, she learns that his wife, Ann, has just died. Juliet finds Eric's house and meets Ailo, the woman who had been Ann's caretaker — Ann was paralyzed and needed a helper around the house. Ailo tells Juliet that Eric has gone to see a woman named Christa for the night. When Ailo leaves to take the bus home, Juliet insists on waiting alone in Eric's home for him to return. When he comes home the following morning, Eric is thrilled to see her. In the years that follow, Eric and Juliet remain together.