I Regret Almost Everything

Roughly a month after the stroke, McNally entered a rehab program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Alina, George, and Alice stayed in London and McNally relocated “to New York alone” (79). On the flight, he reflected on his original relocation to New York decades prior. This trip was vastly different, especially given McNally’s physical limitations.

Throughout McNally’s time at New York-Presbyterian, Lynn and his three older children attended to his needs. Alina grew jealous of their involvement; she was frustrated that McNally had left London at all. Whereas the two families had once gotten along, this period marked the end of Alina’s relationship with McNally’s older children. Meanwhile, McNally worked with a Dr. Leifer. He was rigid and unsentimental, but facilitated McNally’s physical and psychological rehabilitation.

Nine weeks later, McNally was discharged from New York-Presbyterian. The New York streets reminded him of his arrival in New York in 1975. He recalls his time working as a busboy, visiting Greenwich Village, and participating in the film industry. He thought moving to New York would facilitate a career in film.

While bussing tables at the restaurant One Fifth, McNally met Po Ming—a coworker who’d become his best friend in New York.