When her mother makes a shocking request, sheltered Ava struggles with reality, escaping into a dream world where she summons up old friends and long forgotten desires.

Ava and her mother Faye are bonded by many things...unconditional love, a passion for the arts, a belief that magic exists, and an insidious disease that will one day end both their lives. It's been three years since Ava moved back into her mother's house to care for Faye, and as Ava witnesses the slow downward spiral all she can do is keep her mother's spirits up while locking away the fears of her own future. Today is a day like any other until rare guests and unexpected events compel Faye to make a shocking announcement, sending Ava into a tailspin. Unable to deal with reality, Ava cries herself to sleep in her mother's arms and escapes to a dream world filled with old friends and long forgotten desires.—Marina Rice Bader