Prologue

A Chimera is an illusion, or a phantom. For most they are considered a figment of your imagination.

But not for Ava Cross.

Ava spends her life surrounded by death. As a lowly receptionist working nights at a small town hospital, she sees more than her share coming through the hospital's emergency room.

But to her the tragic endings she witnesses from her position are more than just the scream of medical personnel working and the upset cry of families.

Ava sees the deceased loved ones as they linger to say goodbye to their families. She witnesses their final acts of love before disappearing forever.

And sometimes, she finds the ones who just can't let go...