Time has turned backwards and Roland and his first ka-tet have arrived in Mejis. Roland and Susan Delgado have encountered each other on the road and entered into a secret friendship.

I relate very much to young Roland in his experience of becoming enraptured by a beautiful woman on account of both her pleasing appearance and her warmth of personality. I also see his folly, as he begins to set aside all his obligations to pursue his heart’s desire. And I know this situation doesn’t end well for Susan. Their passion burns through all social convention and restraint.

I had a similar experience recently as an adult. Overwhelmed by the beauty I saw in another and setting aside my obligations to myself in order to be available to her. I exercised some measure of restraint and we both remain intact although our relationship is not.

I continue to appreciate King’s grasp of the complexity of the human heart, how love destroys as much as it heals, how situations create darkness in people, and how good stories and rewarding relationships are never free of conflict or crisis.