He notices how pathetically insignificant one person's life can truly be. Sam trundles through the next few months, conflicted about whether he should allow himself to fall in love with Kate Buckley, the reporter trying to get a story about his friend Ben for Esquire, or continue his unhealthy relationship with Liz Brightwater of the Brightwater Marble fortune.
Stumbling through interesting yet awkward situations, both funny and sad, Sam realizes that life is happening now. It's admirable to respect the past, but he must also learn to trust his future.