"The tumor in my father's pancreas was removed last week in an operation that lasted five hours and was more difficult than his surgeons had expected. Afterward, they delivered the grim news that most people in his condition could not expect to live for more than ninety days."
The novel opens with Paul finding out about his father's cancer. Essentially, this means that Paul must make amends with his father before it is too late, as they had become estranged through the years. Additionally, Paul acknowledges that this father has some other unfinished business, and must try and seek the forgiveness of Joe Castle.
"Communication is not a priority with my father. Ten years ago he divorced one wife and had found another before word filtered down to me."
This is the first hint in the novel about Paul and Warren's difficult relationship. He comments on Warren's lack of communication skills, which is a key issue in their relationship. Over the years, Paul and Warren had grown distant due to Warren's inability to express himself or communicate.
"Needless to say, we do not get together at Christmas and exchange gifts by the fire."
Paul's whole family has been separated due to Warren's difficult nature. This is something Paul acknowledges here when he states that they do not get together at Christmas, hinting at an unsettled family life. Over the course of the novel, Paul comes to terms with the damage his father has done to his family and his conception of trust.
