Chapter 3 opens with the narrator waking up in a hospital room, disoriented and in pain after a car accident that left him with a broken arm and ribs. While he feels relief that no one else was hurt in the incident, he is faced with the crushing reality that his streak of accident-free driving has come to an end. His future at his job as a UPS driver is uncertain, as a union representative offers reassurance, but a corporate representative hints that the ongoing investigation could jeopardize his career. A reporter visits the hospital, suggesting that poor working conditions and management’s negligence contributed to the crash. However, the narrator takes responsibility for the accident, acknowledging his mistakes and insisting that his training and sense of duty should have guided him better.

After spending three nights in the hospital, the narrator returns home, only to find that his life has been drastically changed. Left with too much time on his hands, he becomes frustrated and disillusioned with the monotony of daytime television, spiraling into negativity and isolation. The weight of the accident looms over him, particularly when he recalls a strange encounter with a man who resembled Aidan, a friend of his daughter Maggie. This encounter haunts him, and the guilt over his inability to seek clarity or understand the situation further exacerbates his sense of unease. His thoughts constantly return to the event, making it difficult for him to shake off the negativity and isolation that has taken hold of him.

The situation changes when his sister, Tammy, calls and asks him to look after his niece Abigail. Initially, the narrator declines, feeling unfit to care for her due to his injuries. However, when he wakes up to find Abigail already at his house, he reluctantly agrees to take on the responsibility. They spend time together, mostly watching documentaries, with Abigail becoming more present and vocal in his life. As they interact, the narrator notices how much she has changed since their last meeting, particularly her resilience and maturity. This subtle transformation highlights the passage of time and makes him reflect on the importance of his family, especially with Maggie’s absence.

In the course of their time together, Abigail starts to sift through Maggie’s old belongings, including stuffed animals that hold sentimental value. The narrator unexpectedly suggests that Abigail take whatever she wants, realizing the emotional void left by Maggie’s absence. Despite his overwhelming feelings of sadness and despondency, he begins to feel a glimmer of hope. The urge to break free from his dark thoughts and create new memories propels him to take Abigail out for a spontaneous adventure. Together, they visit familiar places from his past, including the site of his accident, where he confronts the painful memories while also seeking closure. Their journey through these personal landmarks offers a mix of nostalgia and the possibility of healing.

As the day progresses, the two of them engage in a bonding experience that brings a momentary reprieve from the narrator’s anxiety. One of the highlights of the day is a memorable trip to a canoeing site along the Delaware River, where they navigate the calm waters together. This experience fosters a connection between them, allowing the narrator to temporarily forget about the accident and the ripple effects it has caused in his life. As summer comes to a close, he realizes how precious these moments are and how much he values the time spent with Abigail. This realization forces him to confront his deeper emotional needs, highlighting the importance of family bonds and the necessity of cherishing the time they have together.