To Susan Scarf Merrell, my very first reader, for your boundless generosity and unwavering support. I am awestruck at my great fortune to have you behind this book and its author. Thank you for making me finish the lap.

To Susie once again, along with Meg Wolitzer and the rest of the BookEnds ’19 crew, for the camaraderie, motivation, and windmill sing-alongs. Gratitude in particular to Sheena Cook and Mike McGrath, whose savvy edits, honesty, and humor brought life to these pages and pushed me to be better.

To the many teachers whose life-changing support has been integral to my writing life. First, Rebecca Harlan and Susan Connolly of Mainland Regional High School, who helped a shy teenage girl realize that writing could be power. Jennifer Brice and Peter Balakian at Colgate University, for showing me the way. The wonderful, tireless faculty and staff of the Stony Brook MFA program—thank you for fostering such a smart and kind-hearted community, where much of this book was written.

To Melanie Pierce, I can’t imagine the past few years without our Citarella dates, story swaps, and mutual teaching meltdowns. I am so lucky to have you as a writing buddy and, most important, as my friend.

To Scott Cheshire and Susan Minot, early readers whose keen eye, honesty, and generosity of spirit were invaluable. Thank you, too, to Paul Harding, for your gracious encouragement. I am so humbled by your support of my work and of this book.

To Lesley Williamson, Mandy Beem-Miller, and the rest of the staff and board of the Saltonstall Foundation, for providing me with essential space, time, and nourishment, as I edited this manuscript. Thank you for being the stewards of Connie’s legacy. You bring a little bit of magic to your corner of Ellis Hollow.

To the many people who gave me a place to stay during long days of writing, revising, teaching, and commuting to class, particularly the Hirschhorn family, Kris and Lisa Eng, and Constance Casey.

My family, the Mullens and the Sypherds, for your bravery and brightness, along with your love. I am proud to come from all of you.

My late father, Michael Mullen. There was no better training for a future writer than those quiet mornings on the lake. The fact that you are gone still makes my breath catch in my chest, but you taught me to pay attention to the details of the world, and so there is a piece of you in everything I write.

My mother, Kimberly, who inspires me with her strength, humor, creativity, and kindness. You showed me the beauty in making things, in digging for the unexpected, and the great freedom in marching to the beat of my own drum. Thank you for leading my way.

My sisters, Lauren and Meghan. My best friends, who fill my life with so much joy and laughter, and to Sean and Jon—I can’t remember our family without the two of you in it.