[0] ~ Prologue

In the thick forest surrounding April O'Neil's farmhouse, Raphael loses his way while trying to collect firewood. In an effort to get home, he forms an unlikely arrangement with a girl who's run away into the woods for reasons of her own. They are not friends, he makes that clear. But they're not quite enemies either.

She makes an effort, he shoves her effort down a flight of stairs. He's eagle-eyed, skeptical, and pessimistic. She's quick-witted and sharp-tongued. They've both got issues. But, in different ways, they need each other- whether or not either of them has the heart to admit it to the other. Or themselves.

He never does fetch the firewood, but he finds something much more valuable instead.