Prologue

On June 4, 2005, a young narrator welcomes a visitor, Claire, who arrives at the family’s house and shows keen interest in the home’s history. The narrator notes family dynamics: a courteous father, a rude mother, and an older sister who stares. The narrator, shy and self-conscious, avoids direct eye contact.

Claire notices the narrator’s clown T-shirt with a squirting flower, prompting a playful exchange. The narrator explains a love of clowns and the local summer circus. The light conversation establishes Claire as friendly and curious, while the narrator experiences confusing physical feelings, indicating a developing attraction.

Claire reveals she has just finished a degree in music technology and aims to be a sound engineer, a field the father calls male-dominated. Claire says that won’t deter her, and the older sister bonds briefly with her over guitars.

When Claire checks the time, she says she must leave to meet friends at a nearby pub. The father exchanges a knowing look with the mother and invites Claire to stay for cheesecake, identifying the mother as Annie. After a playful question about the flavor and admitting friends call her “No-show Claire,” Claire chooses to stay.