Nathan died in the summer before his final year in high school, leaving behind a mother who was devoted to him and a girl­friend he loved. His mother and his girl­friend, Emma, are still alive; Nathan is not. But he wakes in his room — or in the shrine his mother’s made of his room — confused, cold, and unable to interact with anyone or anything he sees. The only clear memory he has is a dream of a shining city, and its glorious queen, but the dream fades, until he once again meets Emma — by the side of his own grave.

Nathan wants life. He wants Emma. He wants warmth, sensa­tion, a sleep that doesn’t leave him confused and aching.

But the cost, to Emma, will be incal­cu­lably high — because Emma just might be able to give him what he wants.