Stave 1.

Diani is a loner, though not always by choice. Since the death of her mother several years ago it's been just her and her father, a scientist who keeps mostly to himself. After begging to attend a public academy in town instead of continuing to be home schooled, Diani realizes just how distanced she has been from other kids her age and her longing to belong becomes overwhelming. When adults begin to be stricken with a new type of deadly flu Diani looks to her father for safety, but his admission just before succumbing to the virus confirms for her that she will always be alone.