If I Stay

Mia Hall reflects on the legacy of Beethoven, whose passion for music transcended his deafness. This motivates her to pursue her own dream of becoming an accomplished cellist.

Mia lives in Portland with her parents, Denny and Kat, and her younger brother, Teddy. Her family is unique, with her father having performed in a band called Nasty Bruises, and her mother, a former punk rocker, now working as a travel agent.

Mia comes across a newspaper article featuring her ex-boyfriend Adam, who is currently on tour with his band. This unexpected encounter stirs memories of their past and reignites feelings she thought were long gone.

The narrative takes a flashback to when Mia first met Adam in high school. Intrigued by a sticker on her locker, he approaches her after class, leading to a blossoming friendship over their mutual love for music.

Mia accepts Adam's invitation to a concert, marking the official start of their relationship. This moment is filled with excitement and hints at the deep emotional connection that will develop between them.

As Mia anxiously awaits her acceptance letter from Juilliard, heavy snow blankets Portland, adding to her nervousness. Her parents suggest a drive where she plays Beethoven, evoking fond memories from her childhood.

Tragedy strikes when a car swerves and collides into Mia's family vehicle, shattering their moment of joy. This accident marks a pivotal moment from which Mia's life will never be the same.

In a heart-wrenching out-of-body experience, Mia watches paramedics attempting to save herself and her family. Desperate for connection, she reaches out for her loved ones while trying to comprehend the unfolding chaos around her.

While in the hospital, Mia grapples with the devastating news of her parents' deaths. As she struggles with overwhelming grief, she also fears for the fate of her younger brother, Teddy.

Despite the heartbreak, Mia and Adam's bond remains strong initially as they contemplate a future together. Miscommunication and pressures mount, however, straining their relationship as Mia focuses on recovery.

Mia's friends, notably Kim and Adam, long to be by her side during her tumultuous time in the hospital. Their desire to support her showcases the depth of their relationships and the importance of companionship in her healing.

Amidst her struggles, Mia reminisces about moments of joy, such as her performance at a Labor Day party, which illustrate her talent and passion for music. These memories intertwine with her current sorrow, highlighting her journey of recovery.

In a heartfelt moment, Adam opens a letter revealing Mia's acceptance into Juilliard. This pivotal news gives Mia hope and a reason to fight, while Adam pledges to support her wishes in New York.

The story reaches its climax as Mia's life flashes before her eyes while Adam plays a song he composed for her. This emotional moment symbolizes the strength of their connection and the hope for her recovery.

In a powerful moment of hope, Mia finally opens her eyes in the hospital to see Adam calling her name. This signifies not just a physical awakening, but a renewed purpose in her life as she navigates her future.