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The story follows Frankie McGrath, a young woman from Coronado, California, who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1966 to serve in Vietnam. The novel explores her journey as she navigates the harsh realities of war, grapples with the loss of her brother Finley, and finds her place in a world where women's roles are limited. Throughout the book, Frankie faces numerous challenges, including the dangers of war, the moral implications of her actions, and the struggles of readjusting to civilian life after her return to the United States. Along the way, she forms connections with fellow nurses, soldiers, and loved ones, including a romantic relationship with a man named Rye, who is later revealed to be married. The novel delves into themes of trauma, grief, and recovery as Frankie struggles to come to terms with her past and find a sense of purpose and belonging. Ultimately, the story is one of resilience, healing, and self-discovery, as Frankie finds a way to reconcile her experiences and move forward, declaring "We were there" as a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of women who served in Vietnam.
The story takes place in May 1966 at the McGrath estate in Coronado, California, where a party is being held to bid farewell to Finley, the son of the family, who is leaving for Vietnam. Finley's sister, Frances, is struggling to come to terms with his departure and the expectations placed upon her as a young woman. She feels trapped in a world where women are expected to conform to traditional roles, and her conversation with Finley's friend, Rye, sparks a desire for something more. As the night wears on, Frances begins to question the limited options available to her and the notion that women can only be heroes in certain contexts. She finds herself at a crossroads, torn between the life laid out for her and the possibility of forging her own path. Meanwhile, Finley's own fears and doubts about going to war are revealed, and the gravity of his situation becomes increasingly apparent.
Frankie continues to write to her brother Finley, who is serving in Vietnam, and receives letters from him about his experiences. She graduates early and starts working as a nurse at a hospital in San Diego. One night, while on duty, she meets a young soldier who has lost a leg in Vietnam and is struggling with the aftermath. Their conversation sparks something in Frankie, and she begins to consider joining the military to serve in Vietnam as a nurse. Despite initial hesitation and opposition from recruiters who tell her she needs more experience, Frankie perseveres and eventually joins the Army Nurse Corps, signing up to be shipped out to Vietnam after completing basic training. This decision marks a turning point for Frankie, as she embarks on a path that will challenge her and force her to confront the harsh realities of war.
Frankie returns home to Coronado Island and shares the news of her decision to join the Army Nurse Corps with her parents. However, their reaction is not what she expected, as they are opposed to her decision, citing the dangers of war and the fact that she's a woman. The conversation takes a devastating turn when two naval officers arrive at the door to inform the family that Frankie's brother, Finley, has been killed in action in Vietnam. The news sends the family into shock and grief, and Frankie's decision to serve in Vietnam is now met with even greater resistance from her mother, who begs her not to go. Despite this, Frankie feels bound by her commitment to the Army and believes she must see it through, even as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her brother.
Frankie arrives in Vietnam, donning her formal Class A uniform, and is immediately immersed in the harsh realities of war. As she travels to her assigned hospital, she meets Captain Bronson, a weary and experienced soldier who warns her that nothing can prepare her for the true nature of war. Upon landing, Frankie is struck by the pungent smells, heat, and chaos of the war-torn country. She is transported to her temporary quarters, a converted school building, where she meets other female nurses and is introduced to the realities of living in a war zone. The next day, Frankie reports to the administration building, where she is assigned to the Thirty-Sixth Evac Hospital and whisked away by helicopter to her new post. There, she meets Patty Perkins, a seasoned surgical nurse, who briefs her on the hospital's operations and warns her about the dangers of the area. As Frankie settles into her new surroundings, she is confronted with the sounds of incoming helicopters and the rush of medical personnel to respond to emergencies, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and abandoned. In her quiet moments, Frankie reflects on her decision to join the war effort, missing her brother Finley, and wondering how she will cope with the challenges ahead.
Frankie meets her roommates, Ethel and Barb, who are experienced nurses at the Thirty-Sixth Evac Hospital in Vietnam. They introduce her to the harsh realities of life in a war zone and help her to dress down from her formal uniform. Ethel takes Frankie to a party at the Officers' Club, where she is introduced to the other officers and nurses. However, the party is disrupted by a rocket attack, and Frankie is forced to take cover. Despite the chaos, she meets a doctor named Jamie Callahan, who tries to calm her down and offers her a shot of whiskey to steady her nerves. As the attack subsides and the party resumes, Frankie is drawn to Jamie's charming and confident demeanor, but she is also wary of his flirtatious advances and the dangers of the war zone.
Frankie wakes up in her quarters, disoriented and hungover, after a night of partying at the Officers' Club. She reports to Major Goldstein's office, where she is reprimanded for being late and tasked with assisting in the emergency room due to an influx of wounded soldiers. Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and horror of the situation, but with the help of her colleague Ethel, she begins to find her footing and assist with the triage efforts. Despite her initial struggles, Frankie starts to come to terms with the harsh realities of war and her role in it. She opens up to Ethel about her feelings of inadequacy and grief, and the two share stories about their past and their motivations for joining the Army. Later, Frankie encounters Dr. Jamie Callahan, who is struggling with his own emotional demons, and they share a moment of connection and understanding. As the night wears on, Frankie begins to process her experiences and emotions, and she starts to find a sense of purpose and belonging in her new environment.
Frankie starts her new assignment in the Neuro ward at the Thirty-Sixth Evac Hospital, where she is tasked with caring for brain-damaged patients. She meets Captain Ted Smith, a doctor who will be supervising her, and begins to learn the skills she needs to care for the patients. Despite feeling overwhelmed and inexperienced, Frankie is determined to do her best and prove herself as a competent nurse. She also starts to form connections with her patients, including a young Vietnamese man named Private Jorge Ruiz, and begins to see them as individuals rather than just bodies in pain. Meanwhile, Frankie's roommates Ethel and Barb take her on a field trip to a remote village as part of the Medical Civic Action Program, where they provide medical care to locals. During the trip, Frankie helps to treat a young girl with a severely injured hand and assists Captain Smith in performing an amputation to save the girl's life. The experience is intense and challenging, but Frankie feels a sense of purpose and pride in her work, and begins to see the value in the medical care they are providing to the local community.
Frankie attends a party at the Officers' Club to bid farewell to Captain Smith, where she meets Dr. Jamie Callahan again. Despite feeling drawn to him, she's wary of his flirtatious advances, especially after learning he's married with a child. However, they share a moment of connection, and Jamie offers her a position in the surgical unit, which she accepts. As Frankie starts her new role, she's thrust into the chaos of the operating room, where she works alongside Jamie to treat wounded soldiers. Despite the challenges, she finds a sense of purpose and belonging. After a long day, Jamie and Frankie share a moment of intimacy, but she's disappointed to learn about his marriage and family. They agree to be friends, and Frankie confides in him about her desires and aspirations. The chapter ends with Frankie writing to her parents, expressing her passion for her new role as a surgical nurse and her desire to make a difference.
Frankie's skills as a nurse continue to improve as she assists Dr. Jamie Callahan in surgery, and she finally feels a sense of pride and confidence in her work. The monsoon season brings increased challenges, including mud, cold, and a higher volume of wounded patients. Despite the difficulties, Frankie and Jamie grow closer, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences and emotions. In a moment of vulnerability, Jamie reveals his feelings for Frankie, but she tries to maintain a professional distance. The two, along with other nurses, participate in a MEDCAP trip to an orphanage, where they provide medical care and witness the devastating effects of the war on civilians, particularly children. Frankie forms a connection with a young girl named Mai, who has been traumatized by the loss of her mother and village. The experience leaves Frankie emotionally drained, but Jamie's words of comfort and support help her cope with the tragedy. As they return to the hospital, the group enjoys a rare moment of relaxation on the beach, but the sounds of war are never far away, serving as a stark reminder of the reality they face every day.
Frankie attends a party to bid farewell to her friend Ethel, who is leaving Vietnam after completing her tour of duty. The party is a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of war, and Frankie lets loose, enjoying the music, food, and company of her friends. She even tries water-skiing for the first time, feeling a sense of freedom and joy. However, the party is cut short when the group receives a call to return to the base due to a riot in Rocket City. Frankie and her friends board a helicopter, which comes under attack, and they narrowly escape. After returning to the base, Frankie spends a long and grueling day assisting in surgeries, and when she finally gets a break, she says goodbye to Jamie, who is leaving for R&R in Maui. A week later, Frankie is working in the OR when Jamie is brought in as a patient, critically injured after his helicopter was shot down. Frankie is devastated and begs the doctor to try and save him, despite the doctor's assessment that Jamie's injuries are fatal.
Frankie is struggling to come to terms with the loss of Jamie, a doctor she had grown close to, who was severely injured and ultimately didn't survive. She receives letters from her friend Ethel, who offers words of comfort and advice on how to deal with her grief. Frankie is then transferred to the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku, a more remote and dangerous location, where she is reunited with her friend Barb. The two nurses are thrown into the chaos of the hospital, dealing with a constant influx of wounded soldiers and civilians, including children. Despite the challenges and dangers, Frankie finds a sense of purpose and determination, drawing on the memories of Jamie and Ethel to guide her. As she navigates the harsh realities of war, Frankie is forced to confront her own emotions and the harsh conditions of her new surroundings, including the ever-present threat of mortar attacks and the makeshift living conditions.
The chapter describes Frankie's experiences as a nurse in Vietnam, where she is exposed to the harsh realities of war. Despite the challenges, she finds moments of comfort and connection with her colleagues, including her friend Barb. The two women take a break from their duties and attend a party in Saigon, where they meet up with Coyote, a pilot who has invited them to a bon voyage party for one of his colleagues. At the party, Frankie is surprised to run into Rye Walsh, a friend of her brother Finley's from the Naval Academy, who had inspired her to become a nurse. The encounter brings back memories of her past and her reasons for joining the war effort. As Frankie navigates the complexities of war and her own emotions, she begins to question the true cost of the conflict and the impact it has on those involved.
Frankie attends a party in Saigon where she runs into Rye Walsh, a friend of her brother Finley's from the Naval Academy, who had inspired her to become a nurse. They share a dance and a moment of intense connection, but Frankie learns that Rye is engaged to an admiral's daughter. Despite this, Rye's gaze and words suggest a strong attraction to Frankie, leaving her feeling restless and anxious. Back at the hospital, Frankie throws herself into her work, including a challenging surgery on a young soldier. On her birthday, she attends a party where she is persuaded to dance with Coyote, a pilot who has been trying to win her over. Although she feels a connection with him, Frankie knows she doesn't feel the same way and tries to let him down gently. The chapter ends with Frankie reflecting on the complexities of human connection and the fragility of relationships in the midst of war.
Frankie spends a somber Christmas Eve in Vietnam, reflecting on the harsh realities of war and the lies told by the American government. Despite the challenges, she finds moments of comfort and connection with her colleagues, including Barb and Rye. The group decorates a makeshift Christmas tree, and Frankie shares a intense moment with Rye, but he ultimately respects her boundaries due to his engagement. The next day, Frankie attends a party to bid farewell to her friend Barb, who is leaving Vietnam. As Barb departs, she leaves Frankie a heartfelt note, reminding her to stay safe and to not let the war take away her youth and happiness. The note also hints at the possibility of a romantic connection between Frankie and Rye, and urges Frankie to seize moments of happiness in a world torn apart by war.
The story takes a dramatic turn as the Seventy-First Evac Hospital comes under rocket attack, and Frankie finds herself in the midst of chaos and destruction. Despite the dangers, she springs into action, helping to triage patients and performing a tracheotomy on a wounded soldier. As the attack continues, Frankie's emotions are pushed to the limit, and she's forced to confront the harsh realities of war. In the aftermath, she's visited by Rye, who's relieved to find her safe. The two share a moment of intimacy, but Frankie's exhaustion and emotional turmoil ultimately drive them apart. As the days pass, Frankie grapples with the moral implications of the war and the lies told by the American government. She's faced with a difficult decision: return home or stay in Vietnam to continue making a difference as a nurse. Ultimately, she chooses to sign up for another year, citing her duty to the wounded soldiers and the need for experienced staff. Her decision is met with resistance from her parents, but she's resolute, knowing that she's found her calling as a combat nurse.
Frankie arrives in Kauai, Hawaii, for her R&R, and is immediately struck by the island's beauty and tranquility. She spends her days relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying the local scenery. One day, while on the beach, she runs into Rye Walsh, a friend of her brother Finley's, who has broken off his engagement and is now interested in her. Despite initial hesitation, Frankie agrees to have dinner with Rye, and they start to get to know each other. As they spend more time together, they realize their feelings for each other and eventually give in to their desire. They spend their remaining days on the island exploring each other's bodies and deepening their connection. As their time together comes to an end, Rye is worried about Frankie's decision to re-up and stay in Vietnam, but she reassures him that she believes in him and his duty, and that they will make it through the war together. Rye ultimately decides to re-up as well, determined to stay with Frankie and protect her.
Frankie returns to her duties as a nurse at the Seventy-First Evac Hospital after a brief respite. She and her team are met with an influx of burn victims, including a woman and her infant, who were injured in a napalm attack. The experience leaves Frankie emotionally drained, and she struggles to cope with the loss of the baby. Later, Rye arrives at the hospital, and they share a romantic moment, with Rye expressing his love for Frankie. However, his words are tinged with a sense of foreboding, leaving Frankie with a sense of unease. The chapter ends with Frankie's promotion to 1st Lieutenant being celebrated by her colleagues, and she and Rye sharing a romantic dance, but the underlying tension and fear of loss remain.
Frankie's last day in Vietnam is marked by a bittersweet departure, as she says goodbye to Rye and boards a plane to return home. As she leaves the war-torn country behind, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her and the person she has become. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, she is met with hostility and protest from anti-war activists, who spit at her and call her a "baby killer." The harsh reception continues as she tries to hail a cab and is repeatedly rejected, forcing her to take a bus. When she finally arrives at her childhood home in Coronado, she is greeted by her parents, but the reunion is awkward and strained. Her father is distant and critical, while her mother is overly emotional and clinging. Frankie is exhausted and confused by the mixed signals, and she begins to realize that the home she has returned to is not the same one she left behind. As she settles into her old bedroom, she is confronted with the remnants of her past life, including a hope chest filled with linens and embroidery, which serves as a reminder of the expectations placed upon her as a young woman. Frankie is no longer the same person, and she is uncertain about how to navigate this new reality.
Frankie is struggling to adjust to life back home after serving in Vietnam. She is haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, and her parents are ashamed of her service, having told people she was studying abroad instead. Frankie's father is distant and critical, while her mother is overly emotional and clingy. Frankie feels like she doesn't fit in anymore and is desperate to talk to someone about her experiences. She reaches out to her friend Barb, who suggests throwing a welcome-home party for Rye, the man Frankie fell in love with in Vietnam. However, when Frankie goes to Rye's father's house to plan the party, she discovers that Rye has been killed in action. The news devastates Frankie, and she collapses into a deep grief, feeling like her heart is breaking. Her parents try to comfort her, but their words of wisdom fall flat, and Frankie is left to endure the pain of her loss.
Frankie is struggling to cope with the loss of Rye, the man she loved, and is feeling overwhelmed by grief. Her friends Ethel and Barb try to help her by taking her out and encouraging her to start a new life. Frankie decides to apply for a job as a nurse at a local hospital, despite having limited civilian experience. She is hired on probation and starts on the night shift, where she is treated like a beginner and given menial tasks. Despite the challenges, Frankie is determined to prove herself and make a new life for herself. She starts to find some sense of purpose and calm in her work as a nurse, and begins to think about her future and what she wants to achieve. However, she still struggles with nightmares and mood swings, and her relationships with her parents are strained. As she navigates her new life, Frankie is forced to confront the harsh realities of her past and the challenges of her present, but she is determined to move forward and find a way to heal and rebuild.
Frankie returns home from Vietnam and struggles to adjust to civilian life. She attends a bridal shower for an old friend, but her experiences in Vietnam and her grief over the loss of her loved one, Rye, make it difficult for her to connect with the other women. She lashes out at them, feeling like they are living in a different world, one that is untouched by the harsh realities of war. Later, she goes to work at the hospital, where she is tasked with caring for a patient with a gunshot wound. She performs a tracheotomy and saves the patient's life, but her unorthodox methods and combat nurse training put her at odds with the hospital staff. Despite her success in saving the patient, she is fired for being a "loose cannon" and exposing the hospital to liability.
Frankie's life continues to unravel as she struggles to cope with the loss of her boyfriend, Rye, and the challenges of readjusting to civilian life. She gets into a fight with her parents, who are ashamed of her service in Vietnam, and ultimately gets thrown out of the house. After a series of mishaps, including crashing her car and getting fired from her job, Frankie reaches a breaking point and seeks help at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic. However, she is met with dismissiveness and told to "just forget" about her experiences in Vietnam. Feeling desperate and alone, Frankie calls her friend Barb, who comes to her aid along with their friend Ethel. Together, the three women hatch a plan to start anew, with Frankie moving to Ethel's family farm in Virginia to live in a bunkhouse and figure out her future. With the support of her friends, Frankie begins to see a way forward, leaving the trauma of her past behind and embracing a new sense of purpose and possibility.
Frankie, a veteran nurse who served in Vietnam, has been struggling to adjust to life back in the United States. She has been trying to put the memories of the war behind her, but the memories still linger. When her friend Barb asks her to join a protest march in Washington D.C. with the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Frankie is hesitant at first, but eventually decides to participate. As they march, Frankie is met with resistance and skepticism by some of the male veterans, who question her presence and legitimacy as a veteran. Despite this, she persists and joins the crowd in chanting and protesting against the war. The march becomes chaotic, with police in riot gear arriving and hauling protesters away. Frankie meets a man named Henry, a psychiatrist who is also against the war, and they strike up a conversation. He is kind and understanding, and Frankie finds herself opening up to him about her experiences in Vietnam. As they part ways, Henry asks Frankie if she has nightmares and trouble sleeping, and she realizes that he may be able to help her process her trauma. The chapter ends with Frankie reflecting on the protest and her experiences, and considering the possibility of seeking help to deal with her memories of the war.
Frankie attends a fundraiser to help bring POWs home, where she meets Anne Jenkins, the wife of a POW, and learns about the struggles of the families of missing soldiers. After the event, Frankie returns home to visit her mother, who has suffered a stroke, and stays to care for her. As her mother recuperates, Frankie and her father begin to reconnect and heal old wounds. Her father reveals that her mother had been preparing a small beach cottage for Frankie to come home to, and he gives her the keys to the cottage and a car. Frankie is touched by the gesture and begins to see her father in a new light, understanding the complexities of his character and the struggles he has faced. As Frankie settles into her new life, she reflects on her experiences and the people who have shaped her, including her friends Barb and Ethel, and the lessons she has learned about family, love, and forgiveness.
Frankie settles into her new routine, caring for her mother who is recovering from a stroke, and finds purpose in writing letters on behalf of the League of Families to raise awareness about the prisoners of war in Vietnam. She meets Rose, the chair of the Letter-Writing Committee, and joins the effort, writing letters to influential people and selling POW bracelets to support the cause. At a shopping center event, Frankie meets Joan, whose husband is a POW, and together they educate people about the plight of the prisoners and sell bracelets. They encounter a man and his nephew, Henry and Arturo, who have differing opinions on the war, and Frankie is surprised by Henry's interest in her. Meanwhile, Frankie receives a letter from her friend Ethel, who has eloped with her partner Noah, and Frankie is happy for her friend despite being a little disappointed that she wasn't part of the celebration. As Frankie continues to navigate her new life, she finds comfort in her routine and her connections with others who are also affected by the war.
Frankie struggles to adjust to life after serving in Vietnam, and her experiences continue to haunt her. She attends a Fourth of July party at her parents' house, where she meets Henry, a man who understands her pain and loss. They start a relationship, but Frankie is hesitant to open up to him, still grieving the loss of her loved ones. As they spend more time together, Frankie begins to feel a sense of comfort and connection with Henry, but she is unsure if she is ready to love again. Meanwhile, her friend Barb is involved with the Vietnam Veterans Against the War and asks Frankie to join a protest march in Miami, where they confront the reality of the war and the treatment of veterans. The march is a powerful experience for Frankie, and she feels a sense of pride and purpose in standing with her fellow veterans. As she navigates her relationships and her past, Frankie must confront the trauma she has experienced and learn to heal and move forward.
Frankie's life is at a crossroads as she discovers she is pregnant with Henry's child. Despite initial reservations and feeling unready, she agrees to marry him after he proposes. Henry's kind and genuine nature gives her hope for their future together. As they share the news with Frankie's parents, they are met with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming wedding and grandchild. Frankie begins to envision a new life with Henry and their baby, one filled with love, hope, and possibility. She starts to let go of her past fears and uncertainties, embracing the idea of becoming a mother and building a family with Henry.
Frankie's life is turned upside down when she discovers that her former lover, Rye, a POW presumed dead, is actually alive and returning home. As she watches the news of his return, she feels her world crumbling around her, especially since she is now engaged to be married to Henry and pregnant with his child. Frankie's friends Barb and Ethel rally around her, and they decide to attend Rye's homecoming ceremony in San Diego. However, when they arrive, Frankie is shocked to see Rye reunited with his wife and daughter, revealing that he is married. Frankie's emotions are in turmoil as she struggles to come to terms with the fact that Rye has moved on with his life, and she must now confront the reality of her own choices and the future she has planned with Henry.
Frankie is struggling to come to terms with the news that her former lover, Rye, is alive and has been married the entire time she knew him. She had been engaged to Henry and was pregnant with his child, but after learning the truth about Rye, she suffered a miscarriage. As she navigates her emotions and tries to heal, Frankie realizes that she cannot marry Henry because she still loves Rye, despite his betrayal. She ends her engagement to Henry and begins to focus on her own healing and recovery. With the support of her friends Barb and Ethel, Frankie starts to confront the pain and trauma of her past and looks towards a future where she can find happiness and move on from the lies and heartbreak.
Frankie's life continues to unravel as she struggles to cope with the loss of her loved ones and the trauma she experienced in Vietnam. She becomes withdrawn and isolated, relying on sleeping pills to get through the day. Her performance at work suffers, and she eventually freezes during a surgery, leading to her being put on leave. As she hits rock bottom, she is surprised by a visit from Rye, her former lover who she thought was dead. Despite his marriage and family, Rye confesses that he still has feelings for Frankie and wants to be with her. Frankie is torn between her love for Rye and the potential destruction that their relationship could cause. She ultimately gives in to her feelings, and they share a passionate kiss, reawakening the emotions they thought were lost. However, their love is doomed from the start, and Frankie knows that she will have to face the consequences of her actions.
Frankie's life is in turmoil as she navigates her secret affair with Rye, a married man and former POW. Despite her initial reservations and feelings of guilt, she continues to see him, lying to her friends and family about their relationship. However, when she discovers that Rye's wife has given birth to a baby boy, Frankie's world is shattered. She feels betrayed and deceived by Rye's lies, and her own self-loathing and shame reach a boiling point. In a state of emotional distress, Frankie gets into a car accident after a night of drinking and driving recklessly. The chapter ends with Frankie's life hanging in the balance, as she struggles to come to terms with the consequences of her actions and the destruction of her relationship with Rye.
Frankie wakes up in a hospital bed, remembering the events of the previous night, including a car accident where she almost killed a man. She's filled with guilt, shame, and a sense of brokenness. Despite her father's concerns, Frankie decides to seek help and visits the VA medical center, hoping to join a therapy group for Vietnam veterans. However, she's rebuffed by the group leader, who tells her she doesn't belong because she's a woman and didn't see combat. Frankie's emotions spiral out of control, and she Attempts to make amends with the man she almost killed, but he's unforgiving. That night, Frankie takes too many sleeping pills and has a near-death experience, where she hallucinates about her brother Finley and tries to follow him into the ocean. Her father finds her and saves her, and she's taken to a psychiatric ward for a mandatory 36-hour hold after a suspected suicide attempt. As she's wheeled into the ward, Frankie protests, claiming she didn't try to kill herself, but her cries are silenced by a hypodermic needle.
Frankie wakes up in a hospital bed with a pounding headache and no memory of how she got there. As she tries to piece together her past, she realizes she is in a psychiatric ward for a suicide attempt. Henry, a man she was engaged to before discovering her former lover Rye was alive, is there to support her and help her get treatment. Frankie begins to open up about her experiences in Vietnam as a surgical nurse and the trauma she faced, including the loss of her brother and her complicated relationships with Rye and Henry. With the help of her doctor, Dr. Alden, and her friend Barb, Frankie starts to confront her past and her emotions, and begins the long journey of healing and recovery from her addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. As she starts to talk about her memories and feelings, Frankie begins to find a sense of peace and forgiveness, and starts to see a way forward to rebuild her life.
Frankie is preparing to leave the inpatient center where she has been undergoing treatment for her addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. With the support of her friends and her doctor, she has made significant progress in her recovery and is now ready to start a new chapter in her life. As she says goodbye to the people who have helped her, including her doctor and the other patients, she reflects on the lessons she has learned and the challenges she still faces. Frankie's parents arrive to take her home, and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about her future and her decision to move away from Coronado. Frankie explains that she needs to find out who she is and what she wants to be, and that she wants to live in a quiet place where she can focus on getting well and strong. Her parents are worried but supportive, and they give her their blessing to sell the cottage they had given her and use the money to start over somewhere new. Frankie and her friend Barb set off on a road trip, driving north along the California coast and eventually ending up in Montana, where they find a beautiful but remote farm that Frankie falls in love with. Despite the challenges of renovating the farm, Frankie feels a sense of peace and belonging, and she knows that she has made the right decision in leaving behind the trauma and pain of her past and starting anew.
Frankie receives an invitation to a reunion of the 36th Evac Hospital staff, tied to the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. She is initially hesitant, feeling anger and resentment towards the war and its legacy. However, she eventually decides to attend, seeing it as an opportunity to confront her past and find closure. At the memorial, Frankie is overwhelmed by the sight of the Wall, where she finds her brother Finley's name etched alongside thousands of others. She is met with a mixture of emotions, including grief, pride, and a sense of community with her fellow veterans. Frankie's father apologizes for his past behavior and acknowledges her service, and she begins to heal and find a sense of pride in her experiences. She also reunites with Jamie, a fellow veteran and former love interest, and they share a moment of connection and remembrance. The chapter ends with Frankie reflecting on the importance of remembrance and the need to tell the story of the women who served in Vietnam, declaring "We were there."