The novel opens as Dan, the protagonist and narrator, leaves his family home in Los Angeles and begins college in Berkeley, California. Dan is optimistic about the future, feeling “strong, independent, ready for anything” (3). He dreams of becoming a champion gymnast and follows a rigorous training routine. During his sophomore year, he becomes a World Champion in trampoline, and his reputation grows.

When his junior year starts, Dan experiences a mental health crisis with a prolonged period of distress, nightmares, and insomnia. In a dream, a fearful Dan sees the Grim Reaper threatening him when an old, white-haired man appears and defeats him.

One sleepless night, Dan takes a drive and stops at an all-night gas station. There, he meets the man working the night shift, whom he recognizes as the man from his dream. Seconds after saying goodnight to him, Dan sees him standing on the station’s roof. Shocked, Dan begins to interrogate him. The man suggests that Dan help him fix a car and take his mind off questions. He incites a short, philosophical conversation and contends that he is a “warrior” (10), frustrating Dan. Finally, he clarifies that he jumped up on the roof.