As the shock fades, their families begin the ritual of denial and acceptance. The girl s father wants to protect her, find significance for her in what has happened. Her mother wants redemption. The boy s mother wants to protect him, guide him. His father wants justice.
Strange alliances appear and disappear as family members confront each other and exchange roles.
Eventually, their efforts collapse in a flurry of remorse and self-doubt. In the end, it is the children who create a solution and a future for themselves. It has a rhythmic, dance-like style. It is a ballad.