Summary

In Chapter 1, Emma, the narrator, describes the day she lost her son, Aiden. It was June 21, 2006, and Bishoptown-on-Ouse, the village where she lived, was in the midst of a flash flood. Emma had been called to the school by Amy Perry, Aiden’s teacher, to get her son because the roof was leaking. It was additionally feared the river that ran through the town would overflow its banks.

Emma walked to the school. On the way there, she was warned by her friend Josie that the banks of the river were breaking and the bridge was unsafe. Emma went on anyway. Arriving at the school, Emma met Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Emma could tell something was wrong. Mrs. Fitzwilliam told Emma that Aiden had somehow slipped out of the building. They had called the police to try to locate him. Emma helped search for Aiden...