Every Day

A wakes up as Alexander and feels an immediate connection to Alexander—his music, his books, his favorite quotes, his lifestyle. The parents, who Alexander has a great relationship with, are heading out on an anniversary trip, and they leave him with plenty of food and money while they’re gone. A/Alexander gives them an anniversary gift: a 10-hour mix of music that they can listen to during their drive, along with freshly-baked cookies, all wrapped in a bag that is covered in post-it notes on which he has written quotes from his parents, containing advice they have given him over the years. It’s clearly a very loving relationship between them. A thinks, “For a moment, I forget who I really am” (307).

At school, it’s also clear that Alexander has strong relationships with his friends. Alexander is playing with at least three different bands in the upcoming Battle of the Bands. The friends are there for each other, and he realizes that these friendships are built on commitments. A accesses Alexander’s memories to see the type of life Alexander has led, which has allowed him to be so close to so many people. A is tempted by what Poole has offered: a way to stay and take over the life of the person for more than one day: “If I could stay in this life, would I?” (309).