What You Left Me

Gr 9 Up-Martin and Petra, who have gone to high school together for four years, finally meet—at their graduation. Sitting next to each other during the ceremony, they share a silly conversation and a connection that spurs Petra to go to Martin's party later, despite having sworn off boys after being assaulted by her boyfriend two years ago. Petra and her friends arrive at Martin's house to discover it empty. They learn that Martin and his friend Spencer have been in a car accident and Martin is in critical condition. Not knowing what else to do, Petra and her friends go to the hospital to join the vigil of family and friends posted in the ICU. The story that unfolds is told through the perspectives of both Petra and Martin. Petra narrates in real time, in real life, through dreams and memories, and Martin narrates within his coma and by infiltrating the dreams of his friends. Martin attempts to give his friends last messages as he struggles to grasp what his comatose state means. Petra is trying to help Martin while figuring out her own troubled past and why her brief encounter with him at graduation meant so much to her. This is a story about friendship, missed chances, and keeping secrets from one's self and from others. It is hopeful but heartbreaking, realistic but unbelievable. It reads quickly, and while drunk driving caused the fateful accident, Morrissey reminds readers of its danger without being preachy.