Lungs of Flowers

Stella Grant, a teenager with cystic fibrosis, is back at Saint Grace's Hospital for a routine treatment. Her life is a series of regimented routines, dictated by her illness. Her room is decorated with drawings from her sister, Abby, who passed away, leaving Stella with a heavy burden of survivor's guilt. Stella's life is a careful balance of treatments and friendships, with her best friend Poe, also a CF patient, providing support. Despite her illness, Stella is determined to live as fully as she can, even if it means living with the constant reminder of her sister's absence.

Forbidden Proximity

Will Newman, another CF patient, arrives at the hospital. Unlike Stella, Will is reckless, having given up on the strict regimen that keeps CF patients alive. He has B. cepacia, a dangerous infection that makes him ineligible for a lung transplant. Stella is initially frustrated by Will's nonchalance but is drawn to him. They form a connection, despite the rule that CF patients must stay six feet apart to avoid cross-infection. Stella's need for control clashes with Will's desire for freedom, but they find common ground in their shared struggle.

The Pool Cue Pact

Stella and Will's relationship deepens as they spend more time together, finding ways to be close while maintaining the necessary distance. Stella proposes a compromise: they will stay five feet apart, stealing back one foot from the disease that controls their lives. This pact symbolizes their defiance against the limitations imposed by CF. As they navigate their feelings, they learn to balance their desires with the reality of their illness, finding solace in each other's company.

A Birthday Surprise

On Will's birthday, Stella organizes a surprise party in the hospital's VIP kitchen, enlisting the help of their friends. The celebration is a brief respite from their struggles, filled with laughter and camaraderie. However, the joy is short-lived as Barb, the strict nurse, discovers their gathering, leading to consequences for breaking hospital rules. Despite the setback, the party strengthens the bond between Stella and Will, highlighting the importance of friendship and love in the face of adversity.

The Ice Breaks

Stella and Will's relationship reaches a turning point when they decide to see the holiday lights in the park, defying hospital rules. Their adventure turns perilous when Stella falls through the ice on a frozen pond. Will risks everything to save her, giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation despite the risk of cross-infection. This act of love and desperation underscores the depth of their connection and the lengths they will go to for each other.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

After the ice incident, Stella is offered a lung transplant, a chance for a new life. Will, realizing the danger he poses to her, decides to leave. He knows that his presence could jeopardize her health and future. In a tearful farewell, Will tells Stella he loves her and walks away, choosing her safety over his desire to be with her. This selfless act marks a poignant end to their relationship, leaving Stella with the hope of a future she never thought possible.

New Beginnings

Eight months later, Stella is living with her new lungs, embracing the life she fought so hard to have. She travels to Rome with her friends, fulfilling dreams she once thought impossible. In a chance encounter at the airport, she sees Will, who is also living his life to the fullest despite his illness. Their eyes meet, and in that moment, they both know that their love, though separated by distance and circumstance, remains a powerful force in their lives.

Characters

Stella Grant

Stella is a CF patient who meticulously follows her treatment regimen, driven by the guilt of surviving her sister, Abby. Her need for control is challenged by her growing feelings for Will, leading her to reevaluate what it means to truly live. Stella's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her desire for life with the reality of her illness.

Will Newman

Will is a CF patient with B. cepacia, making him ineligible for a lung transplant. His carefree attitude masks a deep fear of his illness. Meeting Stella forces him to confront his own mortality and the impact of his actions on those he loves. Will's love for Stella leads him to make the ultimate sacrifice, choosing her safety over his own happiness.

Poe Ramirez

Poe is Stella's best friend and fellow CF patient. His humor and warmth provide comfort to Stella, but his own struggles with love and illness highlight the challenges faced by those with CF. Poe's sudden death is a turning point for Stella, forcing her to confront the fragility of life and the importance of living fully.

Abby Grant

Abby is Stella's older sister, whose death leaves a lasting impact on Stella. Her adventurous spirit and love for life inspire Stella to embrace her own journey, even in the face of loss. Abby's presence is felt throughout the story, guiding Stella toward a life of courage and love.

Barb

Barb is the head nurse at the hospital, enforcing the rules that keep CF patients safe. Her tough exterior hides a deep care for her patients, and her past experiences with CF inform her actions. Barb's guidance is crucial in helping Stella and Will navigate their relationship within the confines of their illness.

Plot Devices

The Pool Cue

The pool cue represents Stella and Will's decision to reclaim a foot of space from the disease that controls their lives. It symbolizes their defiance against the limitations imposed by CF and their desire to connect despite the risks. The pool cue is a constant reminder of their love and the boundaries they must navigate.

The Ice Pond

The frozen pond is the setting for a pivotal moment in Stella and Will's relationship. Stella's fall through the ice and Will's rescue attempt highlight the dangers of their illness and the lengths they will go to for each other. This event forces Stella to confront her fears and make a choice about her future.

The Lung Transplant

The offer of new lungs represents a chance for Stella to live a fuller life. It is a turning point in the story, forcing Stella to choose between her love for Will and her own future. The transplant symbolizes hope and the possibility of a new beginning, but also the sacrifices required to achieve it.

Analysis

"Five Feet Apart" explores the complexities of living with a terminal illness and the impact it has on relationships. The story highlights the importance of human connection and the lengths people will go to for love, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles. Stella and Will's journey is one of self-discovery, as they learn to balance their desires with the reality of their illness. The novel raises awareness about cystic fibrosis and the challenges faced by those who live with it, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through their love story, Stella and Will teach us that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Last updated: April 11, 2025