Bunderson files a motion to prohibit the prosecutors from using diagrams of the crash site because they cannot be verified. He files subsequent motions trying to keep David Strayer, the expert on distracted driving, from testifying. Linton files countermotions and the two attorneys argue this point. Bunderson doesn’t want Strayer giving the jury the impression that texting while driving is inherently negligent.

As Reggie and his mom drive to the hearing, his mother thinks about a Christmas song and tries not to feel hate for the legal system and those saying bad things about her son.

Jackie becomes romantically involved with Gary, her friend and fellow World of Warcraft enthusiast. Jackie still feels uneasy about moving on, as evidenced by her dreams of Jim saying, “I’m not dead” (257). Leila is fairing worse.

Jackie and Terryl strike up a friendship. While Terryl is judgmental of all of the media that Jackie and her family consume, Jackie doesn’t see a problem with it. Jackie’s perspective squares with many other parents’ perspectives, according to various studies. 

At a hearing in April, Bunderson argues that the State of Utah should pay for Reggie’s defense to hire expert witnesses. Reggie takes the stand and Linton questions him about the Chevy Cavalier he just bought.