The Choice (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Gabby chooses to return to Ryan because she feels guilty about the affair and believes she owes it to their relationship to try to make things work. She writes Travis a letter explaining that she told Ryan about the affair, hoping for honesty, but ultimately decides to stay with Ryan when he proposes after their heated argument.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Gabby wrestling with her feelings, indicating she values commitment and struggles with the moral weight of her decision.

• gabby
• ryan
• affair
• decision
• guilt

Ryan proposes as a reaction to the conflict and his desire to assert control over the situation. After Gabby reveals the affair during an argument, Ryan proposes in an attempt to save their relationship and prove his commitment, though the proposal comes from a place of anger and hurt rather than genuine romance.

Foreshadowing: The fair scene shows Ryan as Gabby's present boyfriend, establishing the stakes of the love triangle.

• ryan
• proposal
• affair
• argument

Travis uses Gabby's grandmother's ring to show respect for her family and his serious intention to marry her. By choosing a meaningful family heirloom rather than buying a new ring, Travis demonstrates that he views Gabby as his future wife and wants to honor her family's history.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Travis seeking Gabby, building toward his commitment.

• travis
• proposal
• ring
• grandmother
• commitment

After marrying Gabby and having two children, Travis becomes increasingly focused on work at the veterinary clinic, missing important family moments. This shift represents the strain that builds in their relationship over seven years, where his dedication to work creates emotional distance between him and Gabby.

Foreshadowing: The timeline shows the happy marriage period followed by Travis's growing work commitments.

• travis
• work
• marriage
• family
• neglect

Gabby is involved in a serious car accident that leaves her in a coma. The accident occurs during a date night that Travis misses because of work, and she is rushed to the hospital where she remains unconscious and on life support.

Foreshadowing: The buildup to the accident shows Travis missing the date, setting up the tragic consequences.

• gabby
• accident
• coma
• hospital

Travis struggles immensely because he fears losing the love of his life and must make an impossible choice while she lies in a coma. The doctors present him with the option to remove her from life support, forcing him to confront whether she would want to live in that state, while also dealing with the guilt of having been distant due to work.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Travis missing important moments, adding to his guilt and fear.

• travis
• gabby
• life support
• coma
• decision
• fear

While visiting their lake house, Travis has a moment of clarity and rushes back to the hospital, where he discovers Gabby has awakened from her coma. The lake house represents a significant place in their relationship, and the trip gives him the emotional perspective he needs.

Foreshadowing: Their deep connection at the lake is established early in their relationship.

• lake house
• coma
• wake up
• hospital
• realization

During the romantic dinner, Gabby reveals she heard Travis's heartfelt declarations while she was in the coma. She heard him express his love and regret over being distant, which confirms the depth of their connection and provides emotional closure for Travis.

Foreshadowing: Travis's frequent hospital visits and declarations create the setup for this moment.

• gabby
• coma
• heard
• declarations
• love

Gabby appears immune to Travis's usual charm because she is genuinely not impressed by his southern gentleman persona. Unlike other women, she challenges him and stands up to him from their first meeting about the loud music and dog situation, which makes her uniquely attractive to him.

Foreshadowing: Travis's sister Stephanie notes this difference early on.

• gabby
• travis
• charm
• difference
• attraction

Moby, Travis's dog, and the pregnancy of Gabby's dog Molly serve as the initial connection between Travis and Gabby. Their confrontation about the dogs and the subsequent visits to discuss the puppies bring them together, ultimately leading to their first kiss. This serendipitous meeting through their pets becomes a running theme in their love story.

Foreshadowing: The very first encounter between Travis and Gabby revolves around the dogs.

• moby
• molly
• puppies
• dogs
• meeting

Monica, who had a casual relationship with Travis, notices his genuine feelings for Gabby and encourages him to pursue what he truly wants. She acknowledges that Travis loves Gabby and pushes him to fight for her, showing self-awareness and genuine support for his happiness.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Monica's casual relationship with Travis before Gabby arrives.

• monica
• travis
• encourage
• gabby
• pursue

Travis and Gabby meet as neighbors when Gabby confronts Travis about his loud music and his dog Moby, who allegedly got her dog Molly pregnant. This antagonistic first meeting, initiated by Gabby's complaint, sets the tone for their relationship as one built on genuine friction that transforms into attraction.

Foreshadowing: The timeline opens with this encounter as the catalyst for their entire story.

• neighbors
• music
• dog
• first meeting