AnnieLee Keyes jumps from the balcony of Suite 409 at the Aquitaine Hotel because life has been difficult and pushed her to the edge. During her fall, however, she twists in the air, aiming for something that will save her.

AnnieLee continues her habit of making music out of everything and composes a song, even though she had to pawn her guitar. With all her worldly belongings in her backpack, she’s determined to escape her sorry past in the state of Texas. Finally, a truck stops for her.

The grandfatherly guy who picks up AnnieLee tries to grope her. She threatens him with a gun and forces him to get out of the car while she jacks it and drives on. She thinks that “her stepdad might’ve been the world’s biggest asshole, but he’d taught her to drive stick” (15).