Summary

Chapter 1 takes place in Kunming, in 1942. Faye, a nurse with the American Volunteer Group (the Flying Tigers), was contemplating her loveless life and single status while drinking with a younger recruit. They rushed out to meet an incoming plane, whose injured pilot made an emergency landing. The pilot waved at Faye and moved towards her, and she ran to prevent him from lighting a cigarette as the plane exploded. Later, she read to the unconscious pilot (John Garland), unable to explain the emotional connection that she felt with this stranger. He woke up, squeezing her hand and looking into her eyes before he died. Amongst his possessions, Faye found a photograph of her younger self, hidden inside his pocket watch. On the back of the image was a message in her handwriting: “FIND ME” (15).

Chapter 2 transports us to 2045. A storm was on the...