In her prologue, Nixon introduces readers to what is probably a foreign topic to many. Enrique's escape from Cuba is tension filled. Presented in the form of Enrique's thoughts and dialogue, this section prepares readers with information about Ricky's family, which is crucial to understand the teenagers' later dilemmas aboard the cruise ship. Enrique is presented as a nervous teenager who must trust strangers to assist him. He is not sure if they are allies or foes.

At this point, he is not referred to as Ricky to stress his Cuban identity. His nickname in later chapters make him seem more familiar and American to readers.

Nixon creates a desperate, foreboding sense by emphasizing how dark the sky and ocean are, describing people as shadowy, and telling that "only a thin cat's smile of a moon" provides light and comfort. Sensory details such as sounds and...