You've Reached Sam

Sam’s denim jacket, which he gifted to Julie, is a symbol of nostalgia, regret, second chances, and Sam’s characterization. The jacket is one of Sam’s favorite things to wear, but he gave it to Julie as a meaningful gesture of love. She recalls pleasant times of Sam wearing it but ultimately decides to get rid of the jacket, which reflects the themes of Flashbacks and Memory and Coping With Grief and Letting Go:

Inside my closet is Sam’s denim jacket. The one with the wool collar and embroidered patches (band logos and flags of places he’s traveled) along the sleeves that he ironed on himself. I’ve had it for so long, and wear it so often, I forgot it was his. [...] The denim feels cold to the touch, almost damp. Like it’s still holding in rain from the last time I wore it out. Sam and I race down puddle-filled streets as bursts of lightning lit up the sky. It is pouring on our way home from the Screaming Trees concert. I pull the jacket over my head as Sam holds his signed guitar tight to his chest, desperate to keep it dry.