Vada Sultenfuss was the tomboy of her small neighborhood in Madison, Pennsylvania, 1972. The boys were all scared of her, while the girls teased her. What was the eleven year old to do?

While her father is busy dating the new makeup expert working under him in their funeral parlor business, Vada sits under her favorite willow tree, right by the lake

She wonders why everything hanged so suddenly. Why is she so scared of her basement? Did her mother die because of her? Why does she have feelings for Mr. Bixler? All are unclear, but she wishes to know the answers soon

she notices you sitting across from her a few yards away. She thinks that maybe, just maybe, you’re different

“Hey!”