Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses drug use, substance use disorder, abortion, sexual violence, and rape, which feature in the source text.

According to Kristina, life was good enough before she “met / the monster” (1), or started consuming meth. Afterward, though, life became great, “at least / for a little while” (1).

Kristina directly addresses the reader, saying they probably want to know Kristina’s story and what made her turn to drugs. Why did she veer away from a steady path as a straight-A student into chaos?

Kristina begins to answer the questions she posed in Chapter 2. Perhaps her move toward addiction began when she found herself increasingly isolated. Marie, her mother, is too busy chasing her own dream of being a writer. Her stepfather, Scott, is too strict, while her older sister, Leigh, is dealing with coming out. Her baby brother, Jake, is too young. Unable to connect with her family, Kristina can only relate to a more reckless part of herself, someone she calls Bree.