Sam

Sam is the main character of the novel. At the start of Part I, Sam is just seven years old. She lives with her mother Courtney and her younger brother Noah. Although her dad Mitchell only “lives ten minutes away,” he is often not around (3). Because he works as a magician and a musician, he frequently travels. Sam therefore becomes familiar with his absence from a young age.

Despite her dad’s inconsistent presence in her life, Sam worships Mitchell. She sees him as magic and as a hero. When they are together, she reveres his every word. She particularly loves that he is enthused about her climbing habits, and encourages her to learn how to climb in more serious contexts. For some time, Mitchell seems stable and Sam feels she can rely upon him. However, he soon disappears without explanation, as he has done many times before...