The Support Group Dynamics

The rotating cast of characters at Support Group, including Lida, Michael, and others, highlighting the shared experience of young cancer patients.

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The Circle of Trust

The Circle of Trust The Routine Every Wednesday, Hazel attends Support Group. They sit in a circle, introduce themselves, and share. Patrick leads with his story of ball-less survival. The Members Lida is a strong, healthy-looking girl in remission. Michael is a twelve-year-old with leukemia. Others come and go. The Competitiveness Hazel observes the competitiveness among cancer kids—everyone wants to outlast the others. She finds it depressing.

Michael's Death

Michael's Death The News Lida tells Hazel that Michael has passed away. He fought hard. Hazel feels a pang of grief but also numbness. The Litany of the Dead At Support Group, Patrick reads the long list of dead children. Hazel imagines her name being added. The Prayer They pray for the living and remember the dead. Hazel feels the weight of mortality.

Throughout the story, weekly meetings

Before Amsterdam