Pat Kavanaugh wanted to major in English at Nutmeg State University. His parents persuaded him to major in accounting because it would be more practical than being a writer. At NSU, he met his roommate named Sean Donnelly. Both Irish-Americans, they became friends despite Sean's troubling secret. Pat then becomes a cashier at Delacroix's Grocery Store. After graduation, Pat continued working at Delacroix's, but the chances of advancement are rather slim.

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Pat then began a job search. Along the way, he moved to his own apartment, attended Sunday Masses at All Saints Church, became friends with another parishioner, and met a young woman. He also invested in a business that his parents felt was unethical. In the end, Sean was always there for him.