All Your Perfects

This chapter takes place during Quinn and Graham’s last night at the beach house. They ask questions to learn more about each other. They discuss religion and politics, and find that they’re both moderate progressives, which makes Quinn happy. They talk about the longevity of the planet and the likelihood that humankind will occupy only a fraction of the universe’s lifespan. Graham tells Quinn that the coincidence of their meeting made him believe in a God—and this God believing in him. He proposes with a delicate gold band, unbroken by diamonds, that he says represents “an endless loop without a beginning, middle or end” and reflects “how long he believes [their] love will last. An eternity” (213). Quinn accepts his proposal.

The doctor at the hospital tells Quinn that she experienced a rare cervical ectopic pregnancy. Graham asks if stress could have caused the miscarriage, but the doctor explains that miscarriage was the inevitable outcome of this type of pregnancy. Quinn realizes that Graham has been holding himself responsible for her miscarriage. She tells him, “You have a lot to feel guilty for, but my miscarriage is not one of them” (216).