After the devastating fire that burned down her memories, her life, her parents, and her future, Esmé is unhinged, to say the least. Her aunt and uncle are passive, but worried about her recovery just weeks after the tragedy and look down on her behaviour. The sphynx next door, Taba, is no better but argues another possibility: she needs to go back to the wreck and discover what's waiting for her. ▲ Statue in cover is Undine Rising From the Waters carved by Chauncey Ives