Prologue and Chapter 1 Summary

The man she calls Father kisses her on the cheek. He sits with her, holding her hand. She is required to study a great deal, and take many tests. Her sisters are smarter than she is, but Father is always nice, even when she makes mistakes. The Others aren't so nice, and when Father is not there, she is punished for making mistakes. They hurt her and make her body jump. She is not allowed to tell Father. Right now though, Father asks her if she is comfortable. This time, the boy is with him, and she likes the boy although his presence makes her a little shy. She hardly feels the needle go in, and the ceiling above her bed begins to cycle through famous paintings. She names them until her eyes become heavy and he tells her...