In the Likely Event

Saint Louis: November 2011. Due to the lingering effects of her concussion, Izzy struggles to remember details about the young man who saved her during the plane crash. Serena suggests they check her medical records, since he signed for her surgery, but they cannot read his handwriting. All Izzy can decipher is his first name: Nate.

Izzy’s parents call from the cruise ship where they are currently vacationing. After assuring themselves that she is recovering, they announce that they won’t be coming home early, and it is clear that because Izzy is out of danger, they see no reason to interrupt their vacation. Instead, Serena drives Izzy back to school in Syracuse. Two months later, Izzy receives a package from the airline that contains Nate’s backpack. The airline sent it to Izzy because it was under her assigned seat. They threw away everything that was ruined by the water, so all that is left is an iPod that was preserved in a plastic bag. However, Izzy does learn Nate’s full name because it is written inside the backpack.

Kabul, Afghanistan: August 2021. Izzy has a nightmare about the plane crash, and Nate comes to check on her. They talk about their nightmares and touch briefly on their former relationship, but when the conversation becomes hostile, Nate encourages Izzy to ignore the unfinished business between them.