Maybe in Another Life

This section sees the deterioration of both Hannah’s and Gabby’s romantic relationships. Having been rejected by Ethan following the news of her pregnancy and discovering Mark’s affair, respectively, Hannah and Gabby are at the lowest points in their lives. With the trauma of heartbreak and betrayal, these chapters also exemplify the strength of Hannah and Gabby’s bond.

The fact that Hannah and Gabby experience heartbreak in both storylines is important to note, as it suggests that perhaps their respective romantic failures were simply “meant to happen” in any timeline (230). It is for this reason that the inclusion of a plotline that sees both women experience romantic heartbreak does more than utilize a romance genre trope. Rather, that both women experience failed romantic relationships works to strengthen the novel’s central themes, such as those of friendship and divine timing. Though both women are hurting deeply, each resolves to remain strong and hopeful for the sake of the other, determined to make it past these hardships and convinced that happiness will come to each of them in due time.

These chapters also include discourse about The Existence of Soul Mates (another trope of the romance genre). Discussing the validity of soul mates in the hospital one day, Gabby and Hannah share a belief in the concept. Their faith in the idea that everyone is destined to be with one particular person reinforces another shared belief, which is that “everything happens for a reason” (230). This at once provides reassurance and a sense of comfort for both women moving forward, as well as intrigue and a sense of hope for readers who wish to see both women find the love they deserve.

This section also sees Hannah at the beginning of her physical therapy journey. Again, faced with new and unexpected challenges, Hannah finds herself frustrated by her limitations. The initial frustration Hannah experiences when she struggles through her first physical therapy session indicates that the road to recovery will not be easy. The scene in which Hannah snaps at her physical therapist highlights her sense of anger and resentment about her predicament, as well as continues to build tension in the narrative. The tension at the start of her recovery journey allows readers to anticipate the inevitable release or resolution of said tension in the coming chapters. Additionally, Hannah’s practice of screaming into a pillow to release her frustration mirrors the employment of the tension-and-release pattern within the narrative structure. Moreover, Hannah’s decision to take Dr. Winter’s advice and accept that she will need to be patient throughout her recovery journey is indicative of the personal growth that Hannah has made since the car accident.

In a similar vein, Hannah experiences a new situation in the form of a new night nurse after Henry is switched to the day shift. Hannah’s inability to spend time with Henry further intensifies her feelings of frustration, as well as makes clear that her feelings for him are more than platonic. The undeniable chemistry between Hannah and Henry and their overall romantic potential plays into a common trope in the romance genre; unable to be together given Henry’s position as her nurse, Hannah and Henry’s relationship is a prime example of the “forbidden love” trope. Hannah’s determination to get over Henry brings a sense of closure, suggesting that this relationship, despite its potential, has come to an end.