‘Computer, end program.’ Immanuel looks up at the old woman. ‘Well?’

‘Well what?’

‘Do you think the Guardian communicated with whales?’

‘Honestly, I have no idea.’

‘Jake thinks they did. Last night he was out on the beach and … ah, never mind. It’s stupid.’

‘What’s stupid?’

‘Nothing. I have to go.’

‘Wait, Manny, before you leave, I wanted to ask you a question.’

‘Just one?’

‘Are you happy?’

‘Are you?’

‘I try to be.’

Immanuel looks away. ‘I hate it here. It’s like being in prison. Mom’s paranoid—she never lets me leave, and Jake is a jerk, always acting like some goddam drill seargent. All he cares about is his stupid fantasies.’

‘It must be hard on you.’

‘It’s harder on her. He treats our mother like crap.’

‘Why do you say that? I’ve never seen him lose his temper with her.’

‘He treats her with indifference. Like he’s afraid to love her, or anyone, for that matter. My brother’s all business.’

‘Do you believe any of his stories? You know, the Mayan myths about the Hero Twins.’

‘You’re not serious?’

‘You know, I think you really love Jake a lot. I also think the two of you are a lot more alike than you let on.’

‘Don’t say that. You think I want to end up like him?’

‘No, but I think you have a good heart, Manny.’ She touches his chest with her palm. ‘Let it be your guiding light.’

Belle Glade, Florida October 28, 2027 11:17 p.m.

They can hear the heavy bass from the speakers pounding a block away.

‘Don’t be nervous,’ Regina says. ‘Just let yourself go.’

Lilith tugs nervously at her violet skintight top, trying to hide the bulge of her protruding nipples. ‘I wish you would have let me wait for Brandy.’

‘Forget about Brandy for one night. Tonight you’re with me.’

‘If Quenton saw me dressed like this, he would … well—’

‘Relax. Your grandfather’s asleep.’

‘You mean passed out.’

Regina takes her hand. ‘Just stick with me.’

The party is in full swing by the time they arrive. Cars are parked everywhere, in the driveway, on the street, and atop the lawn. A multiracial mix of teens flow in and out of the two-storey stucco and stone home, the night air drenched with the scent of beer and marijuana.

All eyes stare at Lilith as she follows Regina inside.

Strobe lights and heavy-metal music greet her, along with a wall of moving bodies.

‘Gina—hey, glad you made it!’ Brett Longley pushes his way towards them.

‘Hey, Brett. You know Lilith.’

‘Uh, sure, I’ve seen her around school. Hey, Lilith.’

‘Hi.’

‘Yeah, let’s get high.’ Gina places a white pill on her tongue, then turns to Lilith.

Brett watches the two girls French-kiss. ‘Damn. Save some of that for me.’

October 29, 2027 2:15 a.m.

Lilith is numb.