Summary

Simon worries about the state of his parents' house, which has been left to him and is falling apart, though he doesn't have the money to fix it. A family friend, Frank McAvoy, who was close to his parents, comes by and gives him advice, but it's going to cost a lot of money. Simon remembers his mother, Paulina, teaching him how to hold his breath underwater. Paulina was a circus performer and could hold her breath for several minutes. He also remembers the day his mother left him to watch after his younger sister, Enola, before she went off to drown herself. Simon receives a book from a stranger in the mail. It is old, and references his grandmother, who was also a circus performer. Simon receives a phone message from his sister, Enola, telling him she'll be coming...