Acton, Massachusetts

Acton, Massachusetts is the New England town in which Emma is raised and grows up. She resides here throughout her adolescence with her parents, Colin and Ashley, and her sister, Marie. Over the years, Emma develops a fraught relationship with Acton. She is desperate to leave the insular community and to explore other cities, states, and countries. She therefore leaves Massachusetts for California after graduating from high school.

Shortly following Jesse's disappearance, Emma realizes that she needs to go home. She relocates from California back to Acton. What was once repellent about the place has become endearing, comforting, and even stabilizing. When Jesse resurfaces and expresses incredulity at Emma's life in Acton, she tries to explain how her relationship with the town has evolved.

California

After graduating from high school, Emma and Jesse relocate to California. They attend school here, and eventually establish it as their home...