Nicole his childhood sweetheart moved away from the town and he longs to find her again but it is hinted upon that something unsavoury happened between them. Later she is involved in the events concerning Larry LaSalle, who taught her dancing in the 'Wreck Centre'. Ultimately, he slings his bag comfortably over his shoulders and heads for the next train out of Albany, giving no clues as to his final decision or destination. His most popular works include I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, We All Fall Down and The Chocolate War, all of which have won awards.

Mostly goes on about how embarrassed he is about his ruined face well for that he should have gone on embarrassing bodies instead of ranting on about through out the entire book.When Francis comes back he thinks that it's not that same anymore because he has to cover his face and people didn't like him that way but when he goes back to school he mets a girl name Nicole , the girl of her dreams. I don't think Robert Cormier wanted this novel to be exciting and intriguing - I think he would have wanted it to be thought-provoking and it is! As Francis leaves, he hears the sound of gunshots coming from Larry’s building, indicating that Larry has committed suicide.

On his way to accomplishing those two missions, he goes through memories and meets some of his childhood friends.

The book talks about Francis Joseph Cassavant on a mission to kill his childhood hero, and find his love he had lost due to his childhood hero. The quotes are lovely, and sometimes heartbreaking, but all of them memorable, which is the critical thing when you need them for an exam.