The Causative FactorWhen Rachel and Rubiat meet in art school, they are surprised by a sudden passion. But it is tested right away when Rubiat gives in to a reckless, self destructive impulse that sets him adrift. Rachel has no choice but to resume her studies, even though she doesn't know what happened to him or if he survived. After graduation, she moves to Queens, New York, where she begins a career as a painter while supporting herself by teaching ESL classes to