Lorelei

"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Lorelei

### Family

Krystine (mother)
Pierre (father)
Bonnie and Debbie (sisters)
Willie (brother)
Edwin (husband; formerly)
Winter (daughter)

"*Before... you leave." [...] "Rely on your... strengths, Winterlyn. Find your... battlecry, listen to... your heart... and don't deny the twists and turns... that want you to chase journeys... you are beautiful, and no one... can take that away from you.*"
—Lorelei's final words to Winter before she dies, *Dawn Will Bring Us Death*

**Lorelei McCormick** (née **Lorelei Falin**) is a minor character in *The Adventures of Evie and Mya*. She is the daughter of Krystine and Pierre, the sister of Bonnie, Debbie, and Willie, the former wife of Edwin, and the biological mother of Winter.

She died in Winter's youth of pneumonia and complications from lupus.

## Appearance

Lorelei is pale-skinned. Like her daughter, she has light, honey-brown hair with roots the same sandy-brown Winter has. Her eyes are cerulean blue. Due to lupus, her skin is frequently covered with red or pink rashes.

Lorelei wears a long-sleeved dark blue blouse covered in yellow stars. She also wears yellow star earrings and a blue necklace with a yellow star hanging from it, in addition to bracelets with stars on them.

## History

### Season 1

#### *Meeting Winter*

After being prompted by Mya on whether or not she has parents, the strange girl snaps that her mother is dead and has been for years while her father doesn't even love her. In her backstory, the girl, named Winter, reveals that her mother loved her deeply. However, her life was cut tragically short when she contracted pneumonia, which was escalated by her autoimmune disease, lupus, and she died five days later in the hospital. Following the death of her mother, she would grow close to her father.

#### *Ex-Girlfriend*

"*Well said! If I had the power to, I would have disembowled Edwin right then and center. Should I see him try clambering to the pearly gates, he'll meet his demise at the hands of Lorelei McCormick! Choose to be a sinner and hurt* my daughter*, and oh, you shall* pay*...*"
—Lorelei to Winter on her father in a dream

Facing her father in a dream, Winter tells him that her mother would have never let him attack her for coming out - she would support whatever path she chose in life and she'd do everything in her power to stop him from hurting her. She is a lesbian, loves girls, is a tomboy, and will stand on her own two feet. Suddenly, her father rams her head up on the brick, the pain the equivalent of a gun wound, and he chokes her. Knowing she is losing, Winter fears she will die in her house, but out of nowhere, her father begins to mutter words potent as daggers, admonishing her for uttering her mother and Abraham's names for "wicked" purposes and calling her a traitor, poison, and disgrace. Later, Winter falls asleep and awakens to the sound of birdsong in the Piney Woods, much to her confusion, but nonetheless, she marvels at the sunset and beauty of the woods and its animals. Without warning, someone calls out to her, and turning, Winter is astonished to see her mother, Lorelei. Leaping with joy and excitement, she runs into her and hugs her, warmly embracing her. Greeting her, Lorelei kisses her. Both don't want to let go of each other, but Lorelei places her on the ground, stating that she misses her and is happy her father never got the chance to kill her. Winter responds that he's rotting in prison, leaning on her side and adding that she wants vultures to feast on him. Laughing, her mother snorts that she would have dismembered her husband and will meet his end if he tries ascending to heaven for what he did to her.

Winter feels free, so disconnected from reality that she doesn't even remember that she is dreaming - her mother has actually been dead for four years. She yearns to stay here forever, burrowing in Lorelei, who says that she can, promising to raise her correctly and placing a Pacific bleeding heart behind her ear. She asks if she's ready to go home, and she cheers, making her mother admire her. As she promises to love her infinitely, she stops mid-sentence, groaning in pain, and Winter, along with Lorelei herself, stares at her chest - there is a knife going through it. At the same time, the Pacific bleeding heart in Winter's ear crumbles to ashes. Screaming, she shakes her mother, but it is too late; she has now died for a second time, and the blood from her chest stains her daughter's hand. Laughing suddenly fills the air, and it is far too familiar just as she notices the presence of Daniela, holding the bloody knife in her hand, leaving Winter aghast. She prepares to die, wincing as her ex steps up to her and throws the knife, revealing the initials that signify it is her own pocket knife. Daniela catches it and strokes it, and shakily, Winter demands what she wants from her, barely able to hold herself together. Tapping her boot against the ground, Daniela vaguely warns that she'll meet her demise just like her mother, drinking in her fear and then throwing the knife at Winter's throat with dead-accurate precision. She yowls, waking up in her shadowy cabin, her hands squeezing her throat. Unable to cope with the nightmare, she struggles to comprehend witnessing her mother being stabbed and Daniela's satisfaction at murdering her. After showing Evie and Mya ten photos, the first of which showing her as a baby, Winter explains that her parents named her after the snowflake birthmark on her shoulder, the winter season, and the fact that it was snowing on the day of her birth.

The second photograph showcases Winter snuggling in her mother's arms, something which she frequently did, and Evie finds it adorable. The next photo depicts Winter and her parents celebrating Christmas. Photo four shows her at synagogue with father, Hebrew Bible in hand. She describes her upbringing in a Jewish family and celebration of Jewish traditions, adding that sometimes, her father enforced the religion too much and got into arguments with her mother about it. Edwin also believed that his daughter shouldn't wear more revealing clothing while Lorelei disagreed. In the next photo, which shows Winter with a shaved head, she states that she and her mother managed to convince her father that it was a blessing compared to a disgrace. The seventh photo shows her placing flowers by the grave of her mother, which commends her for her service and joy she brought to Pineshadow. Winter explains that she and her father found it hard to cope with her passing. The night of her death, Edwin slept with her. The seventh photo showcases the connection between her and her father as they sit together at a lake, which they'd frequent after Lorelei's death. The ninth photo, which is mistakenly assumed to be about her mother, is about Winter stargazing. Just before she reveals her secret, Winter prays for her mother to protect her. When it is revealed that Daniela is her ex-girlfriend, Winter describes her and her father in more detail, stating that her father viewed her being queer as betraying her family and her mother; he hated that she mingled with someone of the same gender. Thinking about it now, he had issues that likely stemmed from the death of her mother, but she is glad that she is alive today.

#### *She's Plotting Something*

Winter remembers the time she visited her mother's grave with Daniela.

#### *Winter Storm Arising*

Daniela reveals to the school crowd that Winter's mother is dead and that her father disowned her as a sin. When Daniela obtains Winter's knife, the latter remembers the nightmare in which she killed her mother with it. As she visualizes *Snowlight*, Winter recalls how her parents named her for a variety of reasons, including how her birth was a blessing since she didn't inherit her mother's lupus.

### *Winter's Tales*

#### *Birth of Snowlight*

"*It's pronounced* kur-e-us*." [...] "It means you like seeing things and want to know how they work. And I want you to* stay *curious.*"
—Lorelei to a young Winter

Winter says that while she doesn't know the exact feelings her parents felt when she was born, they did summarize her long-lost baby thoughts for her. After introducing herself for a second time, she gives the background on her name - her middle name, Falin, is derived from her mother's maiden name. When doctors discovered a snowflake birthmark on Winter's shoulder, her parents thought it was a blessing, contributing to her parents' decision to name her Winterlyn. Not long after, her primary traits formulated; she was pale-skinned, the shade akin to her mother, and when her eyebrows grew in - and like her mother's natural hair color, they were sandy-brown. When her eyes opened, they were blue - another trait she inherited from her mother, albeit being ice-blue instead of a darker blue. Her father was slightly disappointed she didn't gain any traits, to which Winter wishes for him to have better luck after he dies. She recaps her traits, affirming that she isn't an identical copy of her mother by any means, but still like her. For a baby, she was small and had to stay in the hospital for an extra amount of weeks due to her mother having lupus, a violent autoimmune disease that programs the body's iummune system to turn against itself. Her mother had been suffering from it for years, likely ever since a bout of pneumonia in her teenage years. With the lack of a cure, she had to be extra careful, taking measures such as dietary restrictions and monitoring outdoor time. Winter could have easily inherited the disease from her mother and died an early death, so the doctors and nurses examined her, tested her, and kept eyes on her for a week. Winter is unable to imagine what would happen if she did inherit lupus, believing her parents would be heartbroken. Miraculously, doctors found no evidence of lupus genes in her, allowing her to be removed from the room and placed back in her mother's arms.

Two years later, freckles form on Winter's cheeks, another trait passed down by her mother, and from the way the latter described it, her father had likely doubled over in pain upon learning that his daughter still had barely inherited anything from him. She finds it more proof that the superior gene in her family was from the maternal side. Winter notes that, from a young age, her parents adored her - and moves away from describing herself so she can describe her parents. Her mother, Lorelei, had much of her features like her hair color and her calming blue eyes. Lorelei always found something positive in the world, and when asked by a young Winter on why she's so happy despite being chronically ill, she sweeps her daughter into her arms and responds that she's still here because she's strong. Lorelei was also compassionate to all, both humans and animals, though can't adopt her favorite animal, a cat, because of her illness and her husband's allergies. One time, she tells Winter that she'd adopt a cat if she could, finding them fascinating, and Edwin shakes his head, reminding her of her health, to which she sarcastically retorts that he's quite the optimist. Besides that, Lorelei also served as a tap of wisdom to a young Winter, who'd pester her with various questions. She tells Winter that she's very curious, and she asks what she means. She corrects her pronounciation and explains that she's very eager to see how the world and various other things function - it's something she wants her to keep being so she can grow up the way she and her father want her to. Winter takes her words to heart. In contrast to her mother, her father is different in both his appearance and personality, always watching her even when she is on Lorelei's lap watching *Oswald*.

One day, Winter believes she has found a stray Skittle and tries to eat it, but her father snatches it away from her and informs her that she almost consumed her mother's lupus medication - something she shouldn't even be toying with - causing her to panic and flex her fingers. She apologizes, admitting that she had no clue, and softening, Edwin's fury deserts him. He kneels down and hugs Winter, assuring her that she's okay and learned her lesson. From that day forward, Winter wouldn't touch any of her mother's medicine again. She notes that her father was very protective of her, and when she went outside, was supervised by him or her mother. Upon finishing her introduction to her parents, Winter moves on to describing her house, mentioning that her parents placed coffees and desserts on the coffee table. Lorelei is revealed to be the one who furnished some of the house, buying furnishings from a now-closed Tuesday Morning. She had her own beach chair in the living room, where she'd read catalogs and magazines. Sometimes, Winter's father would force her and her mother to watch sports, much to Lorelei's chagrin. The kitchen had a vase with her mother's favorite flowers, Pacific bleeding hearts, and smelled like spices due to Lorelei shopping at Penzeys. Winter, then describing her bedroom, says that it was the place where she'd wake up and head to the kitchen to eat her mother's waffles or the place where her parents would comfort her when she was upset - as well as give her a kiss before bedtime. Hiding in her pillows were many stuffed toys, mostly cats, that her mother bought from Toys "R" Us, and Winter would confide in them when not wanting to confide to her parents.

Winter mentions that her parents' bedroom and the bathroom were decorated with beach accents, courtesy of Lorelei, who is then said to have an herb garden outside. At the age of two, Winter is able to start recalling memories. One of her first was her mother humming in the kitchen, wearing a shirt with an object on it that Winter later identifies as a coffee mug. Her mother places her in a chair, and she watches as she works in the kitchen, the scent of herbs keeping her pacified. Winter quickly learns of one of her favorite hobbies, which is taking pictures with a camera, an object Winter doesn't know the name of yet. She is fascinated, even more so when she discovers the camera is a Polaroid, kept alive by nostalgic hipsters. Winter notes that Lorelei liked to to take pictures, inside or outside, usually of the weather or objects or took from the inside in any weather, and then store them in a scrapbook. Her love of nature started when she stargazed she was little, and she took heavy passion in seeing the stars. As a baby, Winter is immersed in her mother's photography and listens in to her explaining the context behind many of their photos even if she doesn't fully understand what she is saying. She resolves to take photos herself and store them in a special place, just like the personal photos of her hung on the kitchen wire - the first photo is an up-close shot of her as a baby with her birthmark. Her mother says that while it was rare and unexpected, it is part of what makes her so beautiful, and she ruffles her hair. Winter smiles, not knowing much of what she said. Winter then describes the moment she learned her first word with a retelling from her parents' point of view. ne morning, she gazes outside, watching the snowfall accumulate on the bushes. Suddenly, she exclaims, "Snew!" - snow. Her father swings her around, overjoyed, while her mother attempts to stop Edwin from making his daughter dizzy.

Just a few weeks later, more gears spin in Winter's brain, and for the first time, she walks to her mother instead of crawls, greeting her. Lorelei, stunned, shouts for Edwin, and he appears, demanding what's going on. Upon seeing Winter standing, he cheers and joins Lorelei in embracing their daughter. Early on in her life, Winter wonders what's outside the house, believing it could be like the scary movies her parents would watch. One time, Winter inquires to her mother as how the clock works, and Lorelei explains its function, wondering if she can tell her what time it is. Confused, she doesn't answer, eliciting a chuckle from Lorelei, who illustrates a number in the air with her fingers. Winter copies and spells out the right time of 11:24, earning praise from her mother. Her words prove to be accurate, as Winter aims to get in the good kind of trouble, having an itch to explore that never fades. Her father quells these itches frequently. When Winter injures herself trying to grab her father's fishing trophy, Edwin tells her that she's going inside and staying with her mother. Soon, another instance of her father's protectiveness shows as Lorelei offers for Winter to help her peel the carrots. Edwin drops his newspaper, eying his wife worriedly, and he reminds her that Winter is quite young to be using a peeler. She retorts that she can use it if she shows her how, exciting Winter, who thinks about the delicious meals that she makes. Handing her daughter the peeler, Lorelei instructs her to mind the blade and grip the carrot as she peels it over the trash can.

Triumphantly, Winter takes the carrot and peeler and gets to work, sensing her father's doubts, which prove to be true. She attempts to peel the carrot, instead slicing her finger open, and screeching, she flails and begins to cry. Edwin roughly leaps out of his chair and pulls her into a hug, asking what happened, and Winter chokes out that her finger is hurt, showing him the rapidly-bleeding wound.
He chastises Lorelei for not listening to him, to which she counters that Winter made a beginner's mistake. Not having it, Edwin refuses to let Winter handle the peeler or other sharp kitchen utensils until she's older, asking her what would have happened if she cut deeper and severed something like an artery. Lorelei snaps that stuff like that wouldn't happen, but Edwin tells her to finish cooking while he patches up Winter's wound. He speeds off with her into the bathroom, cleans her finger with antiseptic, bandages it, and then kisses it. Winter apologizes, to which he assures her that it's alright - he understands that she wants to help her mother, but she needs to wait until she's older in order to handle things safely. Winter moves on to the most serious instance of her father's protectiveness: when she got into a close call. On a day near to her third birthday, she romps around in the leaf piles on the lawn; her father supervises her since it's too cold for her mother to be outside. After Edwin saves Winter from being hit by their neighbor, Saul, he angrily scolds her while she sobs, and Winter notes twice that it was a wonder how Lorelei didn't hear anything. Once they both calm down, Edwin states that they won't tell her mother this happened as to not stress her out.

After the incident, Winter's curiosity diminishes, and she has more regard for her actions when playing and helping her mother out. She detects frost hidden in her father, knowing he doesn't resent her, but is keeping things distant from within. In the present day, she assumes it was his protective side or something to do with communicating his feelings differently. Compared to Edwin, Lorelei urges Winter to be curious, but in small doses to not make her husband furious. She reads Winter her herbal guide, *Culpeper's Herbal Remedies*, sometimes in the night to help her fall asleep, and Winter envisions the herbs in her head as she drifts off. Edwin happens to see Winter asleep on Lorelei's lap one day and takes a picture; the picture ends up on the kitchen wire next to the birthmark photo, as both of Winter's parents believe it represents how bonded their family is. Winter's mother also frequently indulges her in bedtime stories such as *The Snow Queen* and *Click Clack Moo*, and each time she flips a page, she is serene, enabling Winter to fall asleep without problem. Her father is not nearly as good as reading bedtime stories. Despite not being old enough to help, Winter is still allowed to watch her mother cook, and she notes that she could cook practically anything on all tiers - and slip Winter dessert before dinner as a taste of what was to come. By the age of three, she has grown exponentially, which doesn't get past her parents, who start to take her out more. Her parents enjoy pushing her on the swingsets at Pinelake Park, a place Winter comes to adore.

Winter starts to partake in shopping trips with her mother, as well as visiting restaurants or other places in Pineshadow, and she is fascinated by the changes in atmosphere and scenery. She encounters all types of shops, bustling with life, and helps her mother buy Edwin's newspapers and confirm purchases at the supermarket, also enjoying getting fresh-baked tortillas for free. The more she explores, the more Winter realizes that Pineshadow is her home, and from everything, to the people to her family, she is exactly where she belongs. She explores a farmer's market in Old Town Pineshadow with her father and buys fruits, vegetables, and flowers for Lorelei's garden. Later, when Edwin takes Winter to a Seattle Mariners game, Winter notes that her mother didn't want to come because she didn't find it to be "good sportsball." Her words prove to be right, as the Mariners get blown out ten to nothing, and when they return home, Lorelei huffs to Edwin that she told him it wasn't good sports. At the age of five, Winter reaches her mother's hipbones in height. A major milestone in her life would happen, and it was a monumental moment that made her part of the person she is today - a trip to California's Heartbeat Point. Winter promptly launches herself into the story. On a summer morning, Winter hears her parents creating a ruckus in their bedroom, which she is allowed to go inside of, and enters to find them putting giant objects on the floor. She asks them what they are, and her father replies that they are suitcases, mentioning that they are about to grab hers.
Winter momentarily wonders if her father stores his suits in the suitcases, asking why they're necessary, and her mother admits that they're traveling. This confuses her further, since she doesn't know what traveling is, believing it's a dance seen on TV.

Lorelei clarifies that they're going to California, helping Winter realize that they're embarking on a roadtrip to the state she knows is full of blue skies, palm trees, beaches, and Hollister apparel (which she'd kill for). She becomes excited, and her father, vowing that she'll enjoy it, leads her to her room to pack her clothes. While the fastest way to California is via air travel, her parents opt to drive since air travel is too expensive - and also because they prefer to go off the roads. Winter is elated at the thought of seeing both California and Oregon on the road trip, and once the family has packed their esssentials, they set off. The towns and forests change, and pointing to the mountain ranges, Winter asks what they are, to which Lorelei replies that they're the Cascades, though they're actually heading away from them. Both Edwin and Lorelei are amused by Winter's abundant enthusiam. The family travels through Walla Walla and crosses the border into Oregon, and soon come to stop for the day at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Winter describes the lush scenery, spending the day taking hikes with her parents and spotting a doe with her mother. Upon the conclusion of the hikes, the sun has set, and Winter admires the galaxy of stars in the night sky. Her mother questions if she's trying to grab the stars, to which she inquires as to what stars are, and Lorelei explains that they're astronomical objects and fixed points of light that can serve as guides when travelling. She sighs, closing her eyes, and gazing up at the stars, Winter melts into her environment. The stars don't vanish from her sight, and she ponders what the truly are, thinking of them like humans. She whispers them a goodnight when her parents are dead asleep. The next morning, the family leaves Wallowa-Whitman National Forest behind, slightly disappointing Winter, though she keeps the stars on her mind.

When Edwin almost rear-ends someone, Lorelei snaps at him to focus on the road, coughing. Winter notes that her lupus has begun to flare up again, but with her medicine, she should be alright. After setting up camp at Upper Klamath Lake, Winter moves to her mother, who has just downed her medication, and she asks her how the lake is treating her. Lorelei murmurs that it's peaceful and exactly what she needs, and when Winter asks if they're really going to be in California tomorrow, she tells her to thank her father for being a great driver. For the rest of the sunset, Winter and her parents trek around Upper Klamath Lake, spotting various fauna. Gazing up at the stars, Winter knows that she has so many questions to ask her parents before proceeding to make s'mores with them; she and her mother make perfect s'mores while her father burns his. The night passes, and the family departs the following morning, crossing into California. The mountains are quick to recede, revealing a vast, infinite expanse of blue, and she questions what it is. Her mother vaguely replies that it's the sea, appalling her. She figures that it's water, but wants to find out what it truly is soon. The McCormicks approach their final waypoint, Los Angeles, and they run into severely congested traffic, placing them in a jam. Edwin mutters that he should have guessed this would happen, and Winter chooses to sleep. Suddenly, she is awoken by a startling, loud rumble, demanding what it is, and her mom informs her that it's a plane - a form of travel that transports people in the sky around the world. Winter is shocked that the human race has progressed that far, and her mother adds that she heard the plane because they're near the airport. She inquires as to what that is, and Lorelei says that it's where people go to prepare for their trip and board their planes. Winter curiously asks why they didn't choose to fly, to which her father says that he likes immersive traveling and wanted to save his money. Another plane flies by, intriguing Winter more, and her mother comments that it's America West.

She wonders if they'll ever fly them, but Lorelei states that they're merging with US Airways, with her father muttering that America West stranded him in Arizona for three days. Winter watches the planes fly by, and later on, the traffic clears. Hours after, the McCormicks' journey ends when they finally arrive at Heartbeat Point, and Winter's father parks the Subaru on a cliffside. They head down to the shores of Heartbeat Point, and Edwin formally introduces Winter to the ocean - the place where he and Lorelei first met and would later marry. Upon seeing the ocean, Winter is immediately starstruck. After playing along the shore, Winter joins her parents in heading to an outdoor grill for lunch. Before long, the day is fading into night, and the sun sinks into the depths of the ocean; Winter knows it'll return the next day. Her parents have packed up the beach set and are heading back up to the cliffside, and she is about to say goodbye and prepare for the long trip camping and traveling back to Pineshadow. Her mother shouts for her, and she is about to follow when she stops, her gaze immediately drawn back to the ocean. Winter feels nothing but serenity, calling Heartbeat Point her second home, and as the ocean's waves lap at her feet, she inhales. Her mother calls her name again, but Winter ignores her and steps closer to the ocean, which pulls at her ankles. When Winter and her father start playing in the ocean, Lorelei snorts and starts playing with them as well.

#### *Choosing Paths*

"*I can't guarantee that he won't since he's very... unpredictable. But Winterlyn,* he loves you*, and so do I. We are* never *going to let anything like* that *happen to you.* **Ever***. Mark my words, you are* safe*, little one.* Safe*. Your father only wanted to protect you tonight, nothing more. He did what he had to, and while it wasn't necessarily* right*... his heart was in the* right place*. You don't need to fear* anything*.*"
—Lorelei soothing Winter

In the late summer days, Winter's parents begin to talk privately behind her back (unbeknownst to her, about her starting school), much to her disappointment, as she believes everyone in the family deserves an equal say in conversation. However, she obeys and instead seeks the company of her plushies in her room. The more the days pass on, the more her parents' conversations progress, and the whispers become clear to Winter. She overhears her parents mention things relating to her, like supplies, Barnes & Noble, books, and Starbucks, giving her indications that they have been quietly discussing her. What she doesn't know is what the things are for, as she has minimal talent, but she does accept Barnes & Noble, having a like of reading. Winter wonders what her parents are preparing for, thinking of the holidays they celebrate in-between the fall and winter, and while she is tempted to pry them for information, she knows they'll deflect her requests and keep the information a secret. The conversations go on, which result in more items, such as folders and computers, being used, and all this does is confuse Winter. She takes her leave to her room, joining her plushies and staring at the ceiling, wishing for her own seminar. Then, she realizes she can hold one with her plushies, and arranging them all in a circle, they debate on what her parents could be talking about. Her imagination causes Winter to giggle, which beckons the attention of her father. Edwin questions what's so funny, and Winter informs him that she and plushies were deliberating on what he and Lorelei were discussing. Three days later, Lorelei dashes into the room with a letter from what Edwin thinks is Puget Sound Energy, which should have come with the mail. Lorelei agrees, but verifies that it's not their provider and addressed to them - surprising Winter, who was previously unaware that mail could be sent to two people at once.

They head out into the living room, where Lorelei opens the envelope to find a letter inviting them to a family reunion party. The mention of a party excites Winter, familiar with only birthday parties, though she swiftly comes to see that no one is celebrating their birthday. Edwin asks if it's really a family reunion in disbelief while Winter inquires about a family reunion, and reading the letter, Lorelei describes it being at someone's place and having food and drink. He questions how many people are showing up, to which his wife reminds him that he said no McCormick misses a reunion, his words to her before they married. Unamused, he heads to his room to iron his suit, leaving Winter puzzled at how he's so downcast about seeing his own family - something unheard of in the McCormick family. With her alone with her mother, she takes the opportunity to ask her about the family reunion, and Lorelei kneels down next to her, explaining that a family reunion is where families come together to hang out. Excited, Winter wonders if she'll see her family, also wondering how big hers is, and her mother says that she'll be seeing her family, which is large, especially on her father's side. She tucks a few strands of hair behind her left ear. Winter is ecstatic, jumping around the living room and cheering at the prospect of seeing more family, noting her familiarity with a few family members yet not knowing their names. Edwin returns, furrowing his eyebrows upon seeing Winter jumping around, and his daughter stops, embarrassed. He inquires as to why she's stoked, and Lorelei replies that she's seeing her extended family. Edwin's lack of an answer to her sentence makes Lorelei frown, and abruptly, she asks if Winter is going to see her family, causing Winter to feel awkward.

Her mother repeats herself, and Edwin admits that he wants her to attend, but he trails off. Annoyed, Lorelei demands why he's looking at her like she just explained to Winter how to commit murder, earning a cry of protest from her daughter, who doesn't know what murder is yet doesn't want to know details about it. She wonders why her father is so awkward around family, hoping her family isn't evil, and finally responding with more clarity, Edwin confesses that he feels like Winter is too young to go to something like a family reunion, his voice low to drive home his point. This makes Winter indignant, and she snaps that she's not a baby anymore, pointing out that her mother said she could see her family. Edwin retorts that she's still a child and young, adding that he must talk with her mother first, and the ice in his tone quiets her from making any more protests. Lorelei agrees that a child like her can go to a family reunion, reminding him that Winter is not a troublesome child and will have additional family looking after her, rubbing Edwin's cheek tenderly. Despite the nudge, Edwin is still doubtful and points out the drinks, as well as the possibility of someone getting drunk - and the chance that Winter will accidentally cause conflict with his strict family. Winter, irritated that he's speaking like this in front of her, snaps that she's not going to do anything stupid, flabbergasting both of her parents and earning a verbal response from her mother. Her father is shocked by her bold retaliation and relaxes, and Winter remembers the past incidents in her youth where her curiosity led her into serious trouble, and trepidation courses through her. Lorelei admits that Edwin does make a fair point, as Winter isn't at the age where she can decipher right and wrong, and she gives Winter a sympathetic glance.

Winter is dismayed, knowing she won't get to see her family now and will instead be stuck with a babysitter who likely won't care about her. Although she doesn't cry, her mother hugs her into her shirt and evaporates some of her melancholy, promising that there will be another day and placing her chin on her head, which makes Winter smile. Suddenly, Lorelei realizes that she hasn't finished the letter and stops hugging Winter in order to continue reading it. Edwin loosens up as Lorelei reads off the rest, which reveals that Winter has, in fact, been invited to the family reunion - and her family is beyond eager to meet her. Gasping, Winter becomes elated once more, and Lorelei takes Winter's side, though Edwin is still skeptical. Winter begs to attend, her eyes wide and pleading, yearning to interact with her kin and learn the family beyond their surface. Edwin and Lorelei turn to each other, engaging in a private conversation for five painful minutes until they turn to face their daughter again. Winter pleads for a second time, and this time, they grant her vindication by nodding. Edwin says that she can go, his chestnut eyes locking her and keeping her in place. He advises her to behave and not do something she shouldn't, which she promises to fulfill, and desperate to prove herself to him, she promises. Winter shares a hug with her parents, and with a new path to travel on, she chooses it and refuses to let anything slow her down. The night of the family reunion draws near, and Winter and her parents quickly change into their attire. Her father wears a suit while her mother goes without, wearing a shirt with her lupus rashes being visible on her skin. She and her parents head out during the sunset, and she watches the colors fade and backgrounds change from the window.

Winter hopes to see the stars, wondering if her family loves them the way she does. Soon, night has completely fallen, and her parents enter Spokane, an area with many special attributions to it. Winter vows to return to it someday, although that day would never come. Finally, after some more time traveling, Edwin parks the car in front of a two-story house, and Winter dashes up the winding sidewalk to the door, earning her a callout from her mother. She studies the scenery and rings the doorbell, and a middle-aged woman steps out, excitedly greeting the young girl and her parents. Lorelei introduces the woman as Debbie, one of Winter's aunts, and Debbie proceeds to hug her sister as well, asking how she's been. She responds that she's been fine and that Winter is learning well, causing Debbie's gaze to flit to Edwin, who becomes flustered. Winter cringes at the adult affection, made worse by her father's puffing and her aunt squeezing him hard. Debbie then invites them all inside, knowing Lorelei will want her favorite wine, Penfolds. She confirms that she does, grabbing a glass of Penfolds, and Winter studies the unfamiliar drink. When Bonnie and Jodie each point out Winter's growth and traits, most of which she inherited from her mother, Jodie is aghast that she has no traits from her brother. She begins to feel smothered, looking for someone to save her, and coming to her rescue, Edwin pries Jodie off and tells her that it's not a big deal Winter took predominantly after Lorelei. After the arrival of Winter's cousins, Lorelei introduces them to her from youngest to oldest: Fanny, Brody, and Steph, remarking that Steph's mother has learned nothing from nearly killing her and her siblings several times.

She asks her if she's committed to Washington State University, which she confirms. Lorelei, satisfied, tells Winter to have fun with her cousins, returning to the kitchen. As Edwin's mother, Anny, irritates him, Lorelei - whilst sipping wine with her sisters - jokes that by the end of it all, she's going to be calling the wall people, as Edwin will destroy one with all his frustration. Meanwhile, Steph explains to Winter that her grandfather died of cancer when she was four, and her parents likely didn't tell her as to not make her worry. When Anny begins to harass the children, Edwin shuts her up by threatening to spit his clashing virtues in front of them and Lorelei's family. Lorelei's parents, Krystine Pierre, then arrive at the family reunion, and she greets them, happy that they drove all the way up from Walla Walla. They embrace, and Pierre says that it's delightful to see her again, asking if her lupus is flaring up. She confirms that it is, but she's taking her medication, pleasing her mother, who inquires about dinner. Lorelei states that it'll be ready soon, but in the meantime, they can meet their granddaughter, Winter. Krystine questions if she's here, and Winter, appearing from behind the sofa, verifies that she is indeed present. She stops in front of her grandparents and bows, and amused, Lorelei introduces her. Pierre sweeps her into his arms, and both he and Krystine point out just how similar she is to Lorelei. Shortly after, Winter's uncles arrive, including Lorelei's brother, Willie.

Willie issues a greeting, asking for Lorelei, and she appears, greeting him in turn and giving him a hug. She asks how he survives down in Texas due to the climate and broken power grid, to which he replies that he's tough, ignores the politics, and rolls with the punches. He notices Winter and waves to her, inquiring if she's his niece, and Lorelei nods, prompting her daughter to greet her uncle. She does so, jumping into his arms, and he rubs her on the top of her head. Winter observes that he smells like gasoline and leather, but his aura is friendly, strengthened by hardship. Willie tells Lorelei that Winter's perfect, heading off into the kitchen to see the food. Five minutes before dinner, Lorelei chats with Bonnie and Jodie whilst sipping wine. Dinner is then finished, and Lorelei asks Winter about what she wants to eat, mentioning kebabs, mac n' cheese, chicken, and cake. Refusing the unhealthy food, she requests the chicken and one kebab, and proud of Winter for her healthy choices, Lorelei helps her with her plate, giving her more happiness. They eat on the sofa, and Winter digs away at her meal, finding it delicious. She hears her father and uncles cheering outside as well as the clamor of the family reunion going perfectly. After dinner is finished, her mother goes into the kitchen to help her sisters and Jodie clean up. With Lorelei gone, Winter is alone and takes the opportunity to finish *Shrek 2*. As Lewis slowly grooms Winter into trusting him and forcing her to drink alcohol, she repeatedly refuses to get the help of her anyone, including her own parents, too fearful to leave her wayward uncle. When Edwin assaults Lewis, Lorelei is horrified, and at Steph's insistence, runs to her.

She promises that she's here and is okay. However, the embrace is nothing to Winter, who continues to blame herself for trusting her uncle and disobeying her father. She sobs into her mother's shirt, and she comforts her through her tears. Holding onto her arm, Winter finally confesses that Lewis was the one who wanted her to take a sip. Outraged, Edwin strikes Lewis for a third time, dubbing him a feral beast, petrifying Winter, who begs for it to stop and that she's sorry, continuing to blame herself for what's happening. Lorelei watches the fight, worried, and having enough of the violence, she intervenes and rushes up to Edwin. She demands he ceases fighting now, pointing out how shaken and upset Winter is. He tries to protest, but she snaps that Winter must go home, as Winter is convinced the violence is her fault, asking if he seriously wants her to be traumatized from this. She calms him down, and finally noticing Winter in anguish, he apologizes to her and vows that she'll never see that side of him again. The apology feels raw and harsh to Winter, and she sniffs.
Apologizing to the family, Edwin rushes a dazed Winter out of the house, along with Lorelei, who chooses to sit in the back with her. Cradling her hand, she promises to her that she's okay, but Winter refuses to absolve herself of the blame. When they return home, Winter's parents usher her to her bedroom and sit side-by-side to her on the bed. Winter stares at her shoes, tears dripping down her cheeks, and nervously, she discovers rage still woven into her father's facial features, making her concerned.

She panics, worriying that she's committed sin, but she is soothed by her mother's touch. Lorelei gently asks her if she wants to tell them what happened, eyes brimming with love, though this is not enough to ease Winter's horror and anxiety. She whispers that she's scared, to which her mother reassures her that things like this are always scary and that she can talk when she wants to, frowning at Edwin's present fury. Her mother's more mature handling of the situation and backing of her eases Winter enough, and she agrees to talk about it. Her father's stare pierces her body, making her nervous again, and he icily demands what happened and failing to conceal his hatred of Lewis, eliciting a whimper from his daughter. Lorelei reminds him to be gentle, as his daughter is a young child, and he goes silent. Winter begins recounting the events of the reunion: Lewis joined her on the couch, and they talked normally at first, but then he offered her his drink. Despite her hesitancy, Lewis told her to not act like her father, and she finally thought one sip wouldn't hurt. Everything in Winter aches, and she keeps her head low. Her father, enraged once more, seizes her wrists and glares at her, snapping that he told her to not get in trouble and demanding why she didn't see how dangerous this was - she could have gotten hurt or killed. Winter tries to protest, but Edwin growls that he raised her better and that she should have gone to him or her mother. He is about to say more, but his fuming horrifies Winter. Lorelei, angered, points her finger at her husband's chin and orders him out of the room, warning him that his fury is causing him to handle the situation inappropriately, and if he continues to be here, he'll only end up traumatizing Winter. Reluctantly and apologetically, he takes his leave and screams elsewhere.

As the room is now peaceful, Lorelei moves to speak to Winter on the situation. She pulls her young daughter into her arms, and she clings onto her desperately, believing she'll lose her and go to jail. She asks if she will, which Lorelei instantly dismisses due to her age and the circumstances. Winter protests that she almost drank something wrong, but rocking her gingerly, Lorelei says that she'll explain things for her. Once she stops crying, she tells her that what Lewis was drinking was alcohol - beer, in this instance, which is found in stores and can be legally consumed at the age of twenty-one. Lewis drank way too much, which led to him acting drunk, a state which made him do very bad things. Winter murmurs her belief that he just had one, but Lorelei reveals that Barry told her he had more than just one, and while Lewis had a history of getting drunk, it was never as bad as tonight. Nonetheless, this doesn't excuse what he tried to do with her. Weakly, Winter questions if it's not her fault, still convinced her father is going to abandon her, but her mother assures her that she was only picked on by Lewis because of her young age and curiosity, which led to her not knowing any better. However, she advises her to be careful on who she places her trust in, telling her to stay away from alcohol and promising that she's here for her. Winter thanks her, more relaxed now, but still worried her father is going to disown her. Recalling his volcanic anger, she fears he'll act that way toward her, and she asks her mother if Edwin hates her for what happened. Somberly, Lorelei clarifies that he doesn't, but is a complicated person due to his strict family background and is protective of her - he once said that he didn't know what he'd do without her.

This makes Winter raise an eyebrow, surprised that her father has a soft side, and she inquires if Edwin loves her that much. Cupping her cheek, Lorelei says that he gets mad easily and can be violent, something that she shouldn't have had to witness tonight. Winter asks if she's mad at Edwin, to which she replies that she'll deal with him later. Right now, Winter is her priority. Deviating back to Edwin, she reassures her that he is so protective of her because he loves her for who she is, and nothing in his heart will change that. Winter catches her breath, no longer thinking she will be rejected, and she questions if her father won't act like an animal. Her mother admits that while she can't entirely guarantee that, Edwin still loves her nevertheless, as does she, and they do everything in their power to protect her - she is safe now. Edwin only wanted to protect her tonight, and while it wasn't entirely right, she has nothing in the world to fear. Lorelei then coughs into her arm, the speech having taken much out of her, but she laughs it off. Winter, delighted, melts in her arms and thanks her, declaring that she loves her, and Lorelei states that she loves her more. She tucks Winter into her bed, making the young girl ask if it's time to sleep, and Lorelei confirms that it is a minute past her bedtime. With this, Winter grabs her pajamas and prepares for bed in the bathroom, seeing herself in the mirror and pleased that everything from earlier has washed out of her. She curls back up into bed and yawns, slowly falling asleep and supplemented by her mother's choice of singing a lullaby to her.

Once she finishes, she kisses Winter goodnight and shuts off her light. Winter looks up at the roof, imagining that she's under the stars, where she and her parents will someday be. The days pass by, and Winter and her parents move on from the family reunion incident, which now serves as a lesson to Winter: never trust everyone in your life, as you'll never know what they're fully like, but also moving on from mistakes and not letting them define you. Winter and her father start to go on trips to Steak N' Shake, sometimes joined by Lorelei, who orders a sugar-free milkshake to fit her dietary restrictions. Other times, the family plays outside, and Winter looks up at the stars, forming a connection she doesn't understand the purpose of, yet welcomes. Around this time, the talks between her parents resume, and they discuss the next step of her life. By now, it's late August, and summer is slowly beginning to fade out in favor of fall. It is near the end of the month when Winter's parents approach and reveal to her that she's going to somewhere new. Excited, she inquires about it, and her father announces that she's going to school, which she had forgotten about since the reunion. Winter questions what school is, and her mother explains that it's a place where she can learn and make new friends, causing her to become jovial. She exclaims that she can't wait for them to watch her learn, though her mother chuckles and clarifies that they'll be dropping her off, not staying with her. Disappointed, Winter starts to fear that her parents are going to abandon her, and frightened, she asks if they're going to abandoned her. Her father swiftly asserts that no such thing will happen - rather, she's just going to school for a few hours and will have company - and when the day's over, she'll be picked up and taken home.

Brightening, Winter chastises herself and declares that she's ready. Her mother mentions that they have her supplies ready, asking if she wants to see them, and she agrees, elated. She is satisifed with the set and the supplies. Three days later, she is taken to her elementary school, Small Pine Elementary, for the first time, and after a student-parent orientation, Winter is left on her own. She waits patiently and obeys every instruction given, proceeding to her first-ever class. She prospers in school and frequently informs her parents of what she's learning. Upon being taken to the Pineshadow Outdoor Mall for the first time, Winter notes the family places her family would look through and eat at, mentioning that her mother would make her put candles back down at Yankee Candle. Her mother also bought pillows from PotteryBarn and took her to Gymboree and Children's Place for clothing. One day, Winter stumbles into a fancy store, scenting perfume, and she walks in only to be pulled back out by her father, who strictly tells her to never step foot in there again. She protests, but he growls that they're gross and don't cater to women, baffling her heavily. Her mother agrees with Edwin, stating that Abercrombie's CEO "isn't a nice guy" and "hates equality." Although Winter is bollixed, she doesn't oppose her parents' distaste of Abercrombie and instead walks into Hollister, only to get yanked out again since Abercrombie owns it.

The most special place of all is the Barnes & Noble near to the AMC, two-stories and full of books. Winter notes that her parents encouraged her to read a lot, and as such, she roots through the books the store holds. The last store at the mall that captures Winter's attention is one kept behind a rusted iron gate that caters more to goths. She tries to go in, but her father prohibits her, not wanting her to be influenced by goths, and Lorelei rolls her eyes. Time flies by after her first trip to the mall, and Winter, now six years old, progresses through school and prepares for Christmas. Though people like her family don't usually celebrate it, at her mother's behest, they celebrate their own version where they cook food and exchange gifts. She mentions the food and things typically associated with the holiday, toned down in the McCormick family - there are no Christmas greetings, Santa, or reindeer, and her mother usually cooks up beef and vegetables cooked in a secret sauce. However, in similar Christmas fashion, they still receive gifts early in the morning. While Winter is supposed to be making a Christmas list for what she wants, she can't think of anything, and she wishes for something for her walls yet can't put a finger on it. Her mother asks her if she has a Christmas list, to which she replies in the negative. Lorelei, scratching her chin and coughing, comments that she's in a pickle, and momentarily guessing that she has turned into one, Winter is relieved to find that she hasn't.

Lorelei proposes going to the store to look for something, and realizing that it's the ideal solution, Winter agrees. They head off to Target and follow the neon around the store, scouting through various departments. In the electronics department, Winter is in awe at the TVs, and her mother points her to a set of movies, none of which she is interested in. They move to the home goods department, peering at LEGO sets Winter isn't interested in, but the next section makes her want to vomit, as it is full of Barbies. Her mother says that she figured she wouldn't like this, moving to the next isle, which is full of plushies. Winter is uninterested in them, thinking she has enough and that her father would have a stroke if she got more. She shudders at the girls in the Barbie isle, but suddenly hears boys in another isle cheering. Intrigued, she finds them marveling at racecars speeding around a racetrack - Hot Wheels. She is captivated and requests to play with the boys, who have toy cars on their own, and they race around the isles together. When the boys leave, Winter proclaims that she knows what she wants, pointing to the racecar set, and Lorelei agrees to buy it before leading her daughter to the grocery section. Feeling triumphant, Winter knows that racecars are everything to her, and the rest of December passes by until it's Christmas morning. Winter wakes up, seeing her parents' gifts to each other and to her, and she thanks them. She opens her gift to find the racecars, running around the living room in celebration, and her father says that it's hard for him to believe she likes racecars. He is elbowed by Lorelei and promptly corrects himself, asserting that it is a good choice.

Winter's mother admits that she knew there was something in them that'd make her like them, and to Winter's delight, the racetrack can be mounted on her wall. She hugs her parents, and using a mount, Lorelei takes a picture of them together. The photo joins the sacred photos on the kitchen wire line. It reminds Winter of cherishing what she has, something she didn't learn until later. After Christmas, her life goes down a new, unexpected path - part of her destiny - and an arcane part of McCormick culture. On the first Friday after Christmas, Winter is watching *That's So Raven* on the couch, waiting for *The Fox and the Hound* to come on, when her neatly-dressed parents emerge. Her father tells her to get ready for something important tonight, but she protests that her favorite movie is about to be on, to which her mother reassures her that she can watch it on DVD when she gets home. Plus, she's required to attend this event, so she should put her best self forward. Not knowing what she's going to, Winter dresses appropriately and travels through the sunset with her parents, arriving what is dubbed by her as castle and holy place. Marveling at the architecture, Winter is astounded and follows her parents inside, and the interior decoration captures her attention. She finds the place special and magical, stars shining in her eyes, and her mother whispers that it'll get even more magical.When the man stares at Winter, she wonders if her parents just signed her up for a peaceful cult.

After Rabbi Kealer introduces himself to her, he tells Winter to sit with her parents. Her parents praise her for her induction, with her father telling her to abide by every commandment in the Torah - no misbehavior is allowed. Gulping, she asks for the total amount of commandments, and upon her father's mention of six-hundred thirteen, she is aghast. Edwin hugs her, promising that they'll help her and encouraging her to let her heritage shine through. She ponders on how she'll get through this and school, but with her mother's additional promise of teaching her, Winter adjusts her position and decides that she's ready. She sits through the homily, listening in, and when it's over, she gets up. However, her father urges her to sit down, wanting a photo to commerate the occasion, and she complies. Winter grabs her Torah, places it against her chest, and her mom snaps the picture, deeming it perfect. It comes to join the kitchen wire. She researches her Jewish heritage with her mother's help, discovering Sabbaths and that, at the age, of twelve, she'd celebrate her womanhood with her bat mitzvah (which would never happen). Her family is also kosher, which means she is restricted to certain types of meat and seafood, and are non-swearers. In addition, Winter learns that her parents are Ashkenazi Jews. She asks her parents numerous questions about her religion, coming to see that her father was right: it is a major part of her. She comes to see the importance of the Stars of David on the fireplace, representing her and her parents, and this side of her becomes special.

#### *Transformations*

"*I believe you misread the Torah in key places, Edwin, because we women* do *have autonomy. Besides, Winterlyn isn't* bald*; look at that long hair on the other side of her head! If Rihanna can have this hairstyle,* my daughter *can too.*"
—Lorelei perusading her husband to accept Winter's new hairstyle

Winter spends every day reviewing Judaism's facets with her parents. She refrains from asking them stupid questions and prays to Yahweh with her parents, but grows bored and tired at synagogue with the lengthy homilies. When Edwin pushes Winter's schoolwork to the side in favor of religious teachings, Lorelei is annoyed, and reminds Winter to pay attention to her homework, which she does. Winter's family prays twice a day, in the morning and at night, wishing for happiness, long lives, love, and time spent well. They also share a common heritage being Ashkenazi Jews - having family members who lived in the time of the Holocaust. Her maternal side suffered in the Holocaust, sent to their deaths at Auschwitz and never getting to enjoy life again - her mother does not discuss the Holocaust with her for this reason. Outside of her rampant interest in nature, Winter develops an interest in photography and filmography, and she uses her mother's Polaroid to take blurry, messy pictures, so much so that she kills the battery on more than one occassion. One time, her father observes that the Polaroid has ten percent, asking Lorelei why this is so, and seeing Winter near twenty finishing photos, he mutters that Moses help him. In demurral, he chastises his daughter for taking photos without asking Lorelei, and with a smile, Winter remarks that she doesn't think she cares if she uses the Polaroid or not. Edwin retorts that the Polaroid was expensive and that she shouldn't drain the battery so quickly, startling Winter, and itching from stress, she begs that she didn't mean anything but snapping pictures.

Lorelei, exhausted, demands if her husband is upset Winter is using the Polaroid, to which he reveals that she left it at ten percent taking twenty pictures. Ignoring him (adding to his frustration), Winter asks her mother if she likes them, and Lorelei kneels down to examine the collection. Instantly, she is delighted, commenting that they're great and even suggesting that she could become a great photographer someday. Flooding with pride, Winter questions if she means it, and Lorelei kisses her in response. She glances up at Edwin, ordering him to not police their daughter's interests, and defeated, he heads into the kitchen. Winter wonders what her mother meant, and sighing, she explains that he wants to protect her, but he has funny bones even she doesn't understand. Winter agrees with her mother. She soon gets a frisbee she and her father play with, and her mother watches from the porch or inside the house, limited by her lupus. Whenever Winter gains a new interest, her father polices her just like her mother previously said. Her mother is also responsible for quelling Edwin's desire to keep tabs on Winter's interests. Later, after Edwin harasses Winter twice for supposedly violating the Torah's commandments, she asks her mother if they can talk. Lorelei agrees, pointing out that she can tell her anything, and when she sees Winter's anxiety, she questions what's wrong. Winter explains everything, from her father's vicious argument to his baffling behavior, lifting the problem off her chest. Lorelei is supportive but also irate at Edwin for twisting the commandments to her, apologizing in his stead. Winter grabs a pillow, asking if he'll snap at her like that again, and her mother assures her that she won't let that happen. She isn't in trouble, and if her father has an issue with letting her rant, he'll get what's for.

Coughing, Lorelei kisses her daughter and tells her that she and Edwin love her very much, and although the latter shows his affection differently and wants her to follow religious morals, he does indeed care for her. Believing her, Winter hugs her, firmly thinking that her father does love her and that she loves him regardless. When chokers become popular, Winter spots them on a family trip to the mall and begs for one, though this causes her father to argue that they are a Torah violation and improper accessories. Lorelei, sick of his arguments, intervenes. She firmly says that this is a car conversation, asking if he believes he's being too hard on Winter, and in disbelief, he demands how she found out about that. Lorelei snaps that Winter told her what he's been doing, to which he mentions her misbehavior, but she counters that he can correct that without using the Torah. Edwin protests that she must follow the Torah, which Lorelei is well aware of, but she points out that he's twisting the commandments and shouldn't be overprotective of Winter, especially with his manipulation of Judaism. Watching the petty fight unfold, Winter is embarrassed and longs to disappear. In another instance of her Father's overprotective behavior, Winter compliments clothing at the mall and reacts favorably to a pair of ripped jeans at Hollister. Her father rebukes her since the clothing is apparently "suggestive," and Lorelei exclaims that she didn't even mention wanting to buy it. He also scolds her for wanting to use Lorelei's phone to play *Bejeweled*. Lorelei constantly serves as a mediator for Edwin and Winter's arguments, and to Winter's dismay, her father starts to argue with her mother more about her.

In one argument, Lorelei demands what's wrong with him, telling him to stop contorting the Torah to Winter. He retorts that he's protecting her from evil, but she snaps that he's being a brat to her. Lorelei adds that she won't let him get away with this, pleading for him to see the bright, gifted child that Winter is and not to mess with her perception of Judaism by twisting the Torah. As Edwin speaks, Winter tunes out of the argument, noting that she overhears many of these fights in another room and is forced into a box by them. She begins to feel trapped, her growth stunted, and besides her own issues, her mother grows tired of having to constantly fight Edwin, reduced to labored movement. Guilty that her parents are fighting over her, Winter wonders what she did to deserve this, beginning to question why she should be Jewish if it only makes her family war with each other. She remembers her parents teaching her about Yahweh, but feels like he is a fake and inauthentic - and possibly a name her father only brings up to keep her in line. Around this time, Winter is urged to make friends at synagogue by her mother, as she is a social outcast at school, and she is introduced to family friends and longtime Harmony Hollow visitors, Beasley and Remi. When Winter befriends Abigail, Lorelei expresses adoration towards their friendship; Winter compares Abigail's parents to her mother and notes that the latter even sent them chocolate as a Rosh Hashinah present one time. As Abigail and Winter's dynamic blooms, Lorelei shares more support of it, saying that their friendship has an unmistakable function. Later, winter descends on Pineshadow, and Lorelei stays inside more due to her lupus.

When Winter becomes sullen over Abigail ignoring her, Lorelei notices, quipping that Abigail is busy, and Winter mopes, wanting to know why she's been ignored. Knowing the answer, Lorelei softens, and Winter realizes that she's about to get another lecture. Her mother explains that as people grow, their interests change, but Winter protests that she already knows that. Clarifying, her mother points out that other people change too, like her father, and worriedly, Winter questions if Abigail hates her. Lorelei reassures her that she doesn't, but she has new friends with her interests that she prefers over her. Winter is sad that her friend has moved on from her, but understands, not wishing to make things between them awkward. Her mother sympathizes with her feelings, adding that people change as they grow, but she can find new friends and interests that are special. Winter relaxes, more understanding of this point of view, and she inquires if her new friends will ditch her. Her mom concludes that they might, but it's just an aspect of life - nothing lasts forever. Winter sees that her mother is right, and in the present day, she wishes she her mother was still alive so she could tell her how much she loves for that advice. She returns to the story. inter adapts to not having Abigail as her friend anymore, struggling to see no more than a ghost, and she finds comfort in her family and synagogue friends. On a late evening, her family has dinner at the mall and decides to go into Barnes & Noble, immersing herself in the atmosphere of the store. She walks to the puzzles section, only to get interrupted by a clerk who tells her to check out the music section upstairs. Wasting no time, Winter bolts up the escalators, her parents following behind her, and heads into the music section.

After listening to *The Ancient & Arcane*, Winter begs her parents for the album, showcasing just how much she loves it. Her father points out that they have no way of playing it, but Lorelei rebuffs that they have a CD player, and he agrees to buy it - but not tonight, as the store will close soon. Two weeks later, Winter receives the album, and her mother gifts her the CD player. When needing to learn information about Varien, Winter opts to ask her mother for her new phone (she had just retired her "Crackberry"). Lorelei agrees, telling her to be careful and asking if she wants to play *Bejeweled*, to whch she lies and confirms. Later, Winter uses her mother's phone to search for images of Varien, discovering that she has come out as transgender and changed her pronouns. Winter notes that her parents never mentioned what being transgender is, vowing to keep her internet history on her mother's phone a secret from them. Starting to believe she is trans herself, she uses her mother's phone and is conscious of her internet history, making sure to purge her searches, and her parents never find out about any. Her research is extensive, and after a she wonders how she'll obtain gender-affirming care without her parents knowing. While Winter believes her mother will be accepting if she does come out as trans, her father will be furious, and that notion makes her conceal her aspirations from her parents. She fears rejection if she comes out as trans, and thinking of Edwin, Winter refuses to a say a word for her own safety. Noting that Lewis was sent to rehab, Winter is extra careful with her internet history and resolves to hide the truth from her parents, wondering if she's facing the risk of being disowned.

On the night Winter realizes she is a lesbian, her mother tucks her into bed. Upon realizing, she doesn't inform her parents about any of this, not knowing what they'd think about her attraction to girls and not men or her previous transgender musings. Later, Winter notes that her mother isn't appeased by Edwin's ramblings about religion, wanting to melt into her beach chair. Edwin explains to her the importance of fulfilling her duties and carrying the bloodline on, to which she protests that it's not fun, and he quips that she's just like he was at her age before his mother taught him otherwise. He asks her if she knows just how lucky he was meeting Lorelei, and she reluctantly nods as he re-explains that story to her. One evening, she spends her time listening to a Varien song, *Ghost Spores*, trying to figure out the meaning of Laura Brehm's lyrics, and she decides to risk asking her mother and father for insight. Her mother watches Edwin as he oversteps his boundaries, and when he comes close to scolding her, she intervenes. She tells him that Varien's real and that he can't deny Winter her right to idolize someone. He tries to counter with the Torah, but Lorelei snaps that Winter liking Varien is normal, questioning if he hasn't seen how passionate she is. He insists he's trying to protect her from bad influences, but coughing, Lorelei rubs his cheek and says that he is not protecting Winter by doctoring the commandments and will not be punishing her for liking Varien - someone she finds neat.
Winter squeals, her respect for her mother increasing. Edwin attempts to protest, only to get told by Lorelei to sit down. Shortly afterward, refusing to be the girl her father wants, Winter breaks her chains of conformity and renounces her ties to Judaism, noting that it's another thing she'll have to hide from her parents, who have luckily not barged in on her.

She vows to not listen to Edwin or the Torah, but herself, her father be damned. More months pass by, and the seasons pass until it is winter, Winter's favorite season. Lorelei has hunkered down again, and the rest of the family is committed to protecting her. In the midst of her parents' own personal issues, Winter focuses on herself, contrasting the new, crass, outspoken her from the old meek her who obeyed teachings. Later, Winter approaches her mother when her father is out of the house. Lorelei instructs her to sit down on the bed, and Winter admits that she wants her hair cut shorter, to which her mother points out that her father doesn't like it when she brings that up. Her daughter retorts that she doesn't care, wanting to make her own decisions. Lorelei hugs her, praising her, but questioning if she's sure she wants this. Winter asserts that she wants to listen to her heart, and persuaded, her mother agrees despite the risk of Edwin disagreeing. An hour later, Winter's hair has been cut, and she thanks her mother for doing the task her father despises. Suddenly, Edwin returns from his trip to Haggen. Lorelei invites Edwin to the hall, noting that Winter has a present for him. He inquires if it's for Hanukkah, but she responds that it's for him to see, and Winter knows he will be angered by her decision. He demands what the present is, and in that moment, Lorelei tells Winter to reveal herself. Immediately, she reveals her semi-shaved head, causing him to shake her; he demands what she's done, and she admits that since he refused to let her cut her hair, she had it done her own way. She remains calm, as does her mother, and Edwin reminds her that she can't cut her hair at her temples, and she retorts that some hair isn't meant to be long.

Lorelei quickly shuts down the argument, telling him that Winter's new hair is a blessing and what Yahweh would have wanted - Winter is allowed to follow her own expectations. Edwin points out that the Torah said she isn't supposed to shave her head, but rolling her eyes, she snorts that women do have autonomy; besides, Winter isn't bald, and if Rihanna can have the hairstyle, so can their daughter. Lorelei winks at Winter, and Edwin is left to process these developments. After a minute, he sighs and concedes, supposing that Winter can keep her new style if it's a blessing from Yahweh. On the last day of Hanukkah, Winter is allowed to light the menorah for the very first time with her father's help, and Lorelei snaps a picture of the moment. The picture joins the kitchen wire, and Winter credits her mother, along with Varien and Rihanna, as the catalysts for her major transformations.

#### *Dawn Will Bring Us Death*

"*Nothing will* ever *make me stop loving you for a second. I love your creativity. Your... forward way of thinking... your* fire*. Keep the ember in your heart* alive*, baby. I* love you*...* love you *so much... and I will always... protect you.*"
—Lorelei reminding Winter that she loves her very much

Lorelei gets some much-needed peace and rest now that she isn't fighting with Edwin. When Winter becomes frustrated over having to wear a hat to synagogue, her mother encourages her to take it by the horns. Around this time, Varien announces her work on a second studio album, greatly exciting Winter, and she wonders what direction it will take. As she still isn't allowed to use technology, she uses her mother's phone to keep in touch with the development of the album. Soon, winter season descends upon Pineshadow again, bringing torrents of snow and the rare weather phenomenon thundersnow that buries the town in a sea of white. Winter's mother goes into hibernation, hunkering down to make certain that her lupus symptoms don't aggressively flare up. While she misses seeing Winter play in the snow and can't help her father clear the driveway and sidewalk, her health is more important. Winter teaches herself to be grateful that Lorelei is still alive, loving how she can make the best out of any situation, such as watching Winter play out the window, ordering supplies for her father online, and taking pictures from the inside. However, Lorelei's tenacity, hot chocolate, and lupus medicine does not stop lupus from rearing its head, and Winter notes that her symptoms flared dramatically. Her mother's joints become stiff and achy, rendering her with pain, and her husband and daughter both urge her to rest. Her health spiraling, per Winter, is not an option, and with Lorelei taking breaks as instructed, Edwin makes her food. Winter mentions that her father is actually a good cook. Lorelei's rashes accumulate en masse on her body, causing her father to buy her numerous lotions containers that she burns through, but lotion does nothing to stop the rashes from building up.

One time, Edwin points out her rashes, asking if she should consult with her doctor, and exasperated, Lorelei insists she's alright - it's just the weather. Winter is not reassured by her words, knowing that her mother is a fighter, but still weak, and with every year, her lupus symptoms are worsening. She fills with dread, debating whether or mother is fine or not. Besides her concurrent symptoms, Lorelei also has a sore mouth, which prevents her from eating solid foods. Knowing she can't substain a proper diet on liquids, Edwin resorts to spoon-feeding her solid foods, which he did for Winter when she was a baby. Lorelei is embarassed, but nonetheless takes it by the horns, needing the nutrition to substain her brittle immune system. Being her father's assistant, Winter provides comfort for her mother, supporting her with many hugs and kisses and telling her that she loves her so much, urging her to not let lupus win. She returns Winter's affection, vowing that she'll prevail and live a long life and thanking her for her devotion. Winter mentions that she's come so far partially due to her mother's understanding of who she is, as well as her help in easing Edwin's strictness so she could grow. Loving Lorelei with all her heart, Winter promises to be herself whilst also being there for her, resolving to stop worrying about her father, making a bucket list of things for her and her mother to do - and declaring that lupus won't tire her out. As spring rolls in, Lorelei's lupus flareups die down with the warmer weather, and her rashes, aches, and sore mouth disappear. Winter, choosing to begin her plan, approaches her while she cooks waffles one March morning and calls out to her. Lorelei questions what she wants, and sheepishly, Winter inquires if she wants to spend more time with her alone. She hopes what she just asked for isn't weird, but to her relief, her mother exclaims that she'd love that, sweeping into a hug.

She wonders what she wants to do, though Winter notes that it isn't just her plans, but Lorelei's plans as well - any plan they have to hang out is enacted. Immediately, they start, beginning with picnics on open grassland, and they share jelly sandwiches. Winter comments that she loves the raspberry jelly, and she replies that the trip to Haggen for it was worth it. Both continue their picnics, sometimes with more food and drinks in different places or even in the house when Edwin is gone. Another time, Lorelei takes Winter to a forested place near Old Town Pineshadow that has been preserved for years, and sitting down with an avian guidebook, Lorelei explains that she took up birdwatching in her youth and that birds love this area in Pineshadow, as well as the Piney Woods. Winter mutters that her father won't let her visit the Piney Woods, but her mother assures her that she can take her here. Hearing a buzzing, Winter looks around for the source of it and questions what it is. Lorelei shushes her, pointing her to a patch of firebush, where a tiny, colorful, and shiny bird darts around the flowers. Adoring the bird, Winter calls it beautiful and special, and her mother clarifies that it's a female rufous hummingbird, a common species. She wishes to see another one, admiring its qualities, and her mother shows her other bird species, but Winter is only truly captivated by the hummingbird, which fills her with an unknown feeling. She and her mother venture out to the mall, checking out the collectibles in Francesca's, and her mother expresses her fondness of a Tulalip feather hat. Winter studies several different knickknacks, giggling at them distorting her face in the glass. Lorelei and her daughter also browse through Barnes & Noble, digging out magazines to study, and both dance around the fountain at the center of the mall.

Alongside the mall trips, Lorelei makes her daughter her favorite breakfast, which she and Winter split; at night, they sit by the sidewalk and gaze up at the stars, counting how many are in the sky. They relax together, tracing constellations and each coming alive. Winter asks if she just loves the stars, and her mother whispers that they are everything to her, but not as everything as her. She kisses her on the cheek. Sometimes, Winter's father joins them, and holding her mother's hand, Winter thinks about the concept of death, knowing her parents will die someday and become unified with the stars. Noting that her mother is winning her battle with lupus with her strength, she prays for her to live a long live and for her glow to never be diminished by lupus, hoping that she is being heard. In mid-spring, Lorelei takes Winter to the mall for another shopping trip, and with the lack of her father, Winter freely comments on any type of clothing she can find, much to the joy of her mother. Just before they can peer into Skechers, she notices the clothing in the window at Hot Topic and presses her face up against the glass. Lorelei teases her for looking like a manatee, and Winter asks what that is, to which she states that manatees are sea animals. She finds them cool and takes her nose off the window, remembering that her father will be irate if she breaks his rule to not go into Hot Topic. She prepares to walk away, but her mother questions if wants to go in, shocking Winter. She does a double take, and Lorelei repeats her question; refusing to let her chance slip away and longing to be with the emo people, Winter ecstatically agrees. She drags her mother inside the cramped, rock-themed, abundantly-stocked store, loving the vibe and overwhelmed by all of the merchandise once thought to be forbidden. Not caring about the claustrophobic feeling, Winter lays her finger on every item and every piece of clothing, and her mother hollers that she fits perfectly even with her father's beliefs, giving her a genuine smile.

Winter continues exploring, but is suddenly stopped by a glass case in the wall containing cinnamon and lavender incense, jewelry, and a thin black necklace with a white diamond. She is stunned by the expensive diamond, but discovers the naming of the set, *Cold & Incensed*, a result of a collaboration between Hot Topic and Earthbound Trading Company. Scratching her chin, Lorelei remarks that she didn't expect this, believing it doesn't make much sense, but Winter retorts that it does, yearning for the necklace to be hung around her neck. Due to it not being flashy and not enough for her father to complain about, she glances at the price tag, a whopping two hundred dollars. In disbelief, Winter grows disappointed, as the one time she goes into Hot Topic and finds something she likes, it's way out of their budget range. She dismisses the necklace in favor of other things, but before she can exit the store, her mother reveals that she isn't opposed to buying it. Astonished, Winter turns around to find Lorelei pulling her wallet out of her pocket, and she points out that her father doesn't like overspending on their budget. She keeps telling herself that the necklace isn't worth it, but her mother whispers that she got paid recently - plus, as Edwin isn't allowed to interfere with their time, they can be a little insurgent. At once, lightning strikes in Winter, who becomes excited as well as validated, and she begs to have the necklace. Lorelei ends up buying it, and in the car, Winter holds the necklace, feeling like she has accomplished something. She proceeds to wear the necklace around her neck every single day, realizing that her mother is right about Hot Topic being perfect for her - there is nothing wrong with embracing a more mature, darker side.

Her mother understood her for who she was, and the feeling of success burns in her, making her see that it isn't just vindication, but the passion of being alive. Later on in spring, Winter spends more of her time indoors due to the rain, which she hates for making her feel gross and sticky (preferring bath water over rain water) along with disrupting her efforts to be with her mother outside, but an upside to that is curling up with Lorelei on the sofa to watch TV or a movie. When it's not raining, Winter travels out to her mother's garden and studies her many plants, including spices, herbs, and vegetables. Her mother isn't surprised to find her out in the yard, and chuckling, she quips that someone is quite invested in her garden. Blushing, Winter says that her plants are great, wishing to help her tend to them. She notes that she loves Lorelei's garden and how her mother uses her extensive knowledge to cultivate it, wanting to be a professional gardener like she is. Finding her request sweet, Lorelei agrees to teach her what she knows, and with that, Winter learns the fundamentals of how to garden and harvest. Soon, Winter harvests her first batch from the garden, a set of basil, which she showcases to her father (almost making him sneeze), and she feels triumphant as her mother's helper. Rimming her mother's garden are a bunch of Pacific bleeding hearts, and intrigued, she asks Lorelei what they are. She admits that they're her favorite flower, and she keeps them around to remind her of how much she loves nature. She smoothes the petals of one of the flowers, and figuring out the reason why a bleeding heart is in the kitchen, Winter brushes another's petals and sees Lorelei's view - nature is a blessing, and she has a lot of growing to do to find her own favorite flower or hobby outside gardening.

Her mother questions if she has a favorite flower, but shakes her head, admitting that she does like the bleeding hearts. Lorelei murmurs that she thought she would. Occassionally, Winter plays with butterflies when they come to pollenate, and she admires them for their beauty; she also admires dragonflies, emphasizing their buzz as an awe of the world. Other times, the insects in the yard are hostile, and in one instance, she is tending to the sage leaves when she angers a yellowjacket. In retaliation, it stings her on the head and flies off. Winter writhes on the ground in pain, tears leaking from her eyes, and rushing up to her, her mother asks what happened. Gripping her knee, Winter confesses that she got stung, and seeing the yellowjacket, she gently informs her that she accidentally provoked it. Winter cries that it hurts, hugging her mother, who helps her back onto her feet and examines her forehead. Using a pair of tweezers, she plucks the stinger out, causing her daughter to squeak, and Lorelei tells her that she needs to be back inside. Rushing her into the kitchen, she calls for Edwin, and he appears, displeased that he has been interrupted from watching *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. Lorelei retorts that the sun will still shine in Philadelphia, revealing that Winter got stung by a yellowjacket. He grabs the first aid basket, and Winter sits down in a chair, exhausted and pained. Her mother gets to work, cleaning the sting area, applying antiseptic, water, and meat tenderizer, and pressing an ice pack against the sting, easing Winter's pain. Informing her that she's all fixed, Lorelei asks if she wants to come back outside, but fearing being stung by the yellowjacket again, Winter requests to stay inside. Her mother heads back out, promising to be back in an hour or two, and she heads to the couch, where her father inquires as to how she got stung. She states that it came out of nowhere after she touched the sage, planting her head in a pillow and telling herself that she's lucky she didn't get stung by killer bees.

After that day, Winter is too apprehensive to go into the garden, not wanting to be stung by another yellowjacket or anything else, and observing her mother outside pierces her heart with longing. While she wishes to be out, her fear holds her back, wondering if any animal even wants her out. Lorelei, noticing her daughter's lack of visits to the garden, talks to her about it, encouraging her that one yellowjacket shouldn't let her stay away from it forever. Although nature is unpredictable, that's part of the charm, and she will be protected. Winter protests that she's scared she'll be stung again, worrying she can't tell the difference and will freak out. Getting a solution, Lorelei walks toward the screen door, and confused, Winter follows, prompting her. She reassures her that she has nothing to fear in the garden, noting that she had her same anxieties in her youth - but came to see that not all insects were vicious. Opening the screen door, her mother ventures into the garden and sits by the patch of bleeding hearts. Hesitantly, Winter sits down by her, and Lorelei instructs her to watch. She presses down on a bleeding heart, holding out her palm, and Winter discovers a honeybee on one of the petals. She stifles a scream, terrified, but her mother asserts that honeybees are friendlier than she thinks. Her daughter shakes, and she becomes aghast when the bee walks onto Lorelei's palm. Momentarily worrying that she will be stung, Winter is instead proven wrong when the bee buzzes happily, and her mother reassures her that she has nothing to be afraid of, adding that honeybees are friendly as long as humans are kind to them. She strokes the bee's backside, appalling Winter, who had initially thought bees hated humans. She questions whether her fears are rational or not, and offering her a chance to befriend the bee, Lorelei moves her palm closer. She promises that it won't attack her, but the young girl is stuck, caught between fearing being stung.

However, knowing her mother isn't lying, she decides to face her fears and agrees to befriend it. The bee trots onto her hand, buzzing in content, and Winter realizes that her fears are irrational after all - she can immerse herself in nature, and one sting will not change that. She pets the bee, which buzzes before flying off to another bleeding heart. She exclaims her disbelief over what she just did, and her mother affirms that nature is her friend. Winter inquires as to how she's so magical at connecting to nature, and laughing, she responds that she's just a natural. The two embrace in a fond hug. Soon, Pineshadow transitions into summer, and it becomes extremely hot outside. Winter notes herself being covered in sunscreen when playing outside. Her mother makes her and father peach tea, and together, she and Winter go to the mall to get ice cream from Häagen-Dazs. They pick out numerous flavors to try and sit by the window, discussing life, school, and many more topics. As Winter has recently been released from school, it is around time for her family to come up with summer plans. Her mother murmurs to her on one afternoon that she might ask Edwin to take them all back to Heartbeat Point - a name Winter has not heard for years - and remembering everything about the beach, including the first rhythm that she followed there. The last time she went there was when she was five, and she is now nine. To relive the expereince there is something she'd sacrifice her limbs for, and excitedly, she proclaims that she'd love to go back, mango ice cream dripping off her lips. Lorelei wipes it off, promising to share her thoughts with her father soon. Her gaze lingering on her daughter's head, she admits that her hair is beautiful and loved helping her achieve her style.

Winter, blushing, admires her mother for listening to her and loving her for how rebellious and out-the-box she is. She sheds happy tears and finishes her mango ice cream. Afterward, Lorelei takes her to Tuesday Morning in order to pick up garden supplies. They stroll though the garden section, and Lorelei picks up a pair of pliers and birdseed. Winter asks if that's what she needs, to which she mentions needing one more thing. She pushes the cart to the front and picks up a birdbath, surprising Winter, and she states that it's to welcome more birds into the garden even with the potential draw of mosquitos. Winter finds that sweet, sharing her mother's love of birds, and they pass through more isles. In the arts and crafts isles, Winter notices an empty brown box and is unsure of why it's there, though her mother quickly snatches it and places it in the cart, as she needs it for a project. Curious, she questions what project it's for, but Lorelei silences her, mentioning that it's a secret. She doesn't press her further, instead growing hyped for the project and wondering what it will be, only knowing that it will be amazing. Once the purchases are made, they drive home, with Winter taking a short nap in the car. Her mother awakens her, teasing her for drooling like a baby, and Winter mumbles that she guesses she was. She shakes herself awake and helps her mother place the merchandise in the living room. Winter calls out for her father, only to find him not in the living room, catching her and Lorelei off guard. Winter is especially worried, fearing a freak scenario has gone on while they were away, causing her to clutch her mother's blouse. Lorelei calls out for Edwin, heading in the direction of their bedroom, and to Winter's relief, he is in there talking to someone over the phone. Her mother orders her to give her a moment to let him finish, and he reveals himself to be talking to his brother, Barry, asking about a woman's condition.

Winter ponders about who he's referring to, and her father questions if her mind is failing, and it dawns on her and her mother as to who he's talking to. Edwin, wrapping up his call, tells Barry that while his relations with his mother are strained, he'll talk to Lorelei and Winter before taking action. Winter remembers her religion-obsessed grandmother, Anny, who made up stories about God and became upset if the Lord's name was taken in vain, noting that her condition seems dire. She shudders, thinking about the concept of daeth again. Lorelei pushes open the door, and glancing up at her, Edwin mutters that he can't believe this is happening. She inquires about the status of Anny's health, to which she reveals that she stopped eating and drinking and is in the hospital. Winter freezes, knowing her impending death is near, and her father adds that she'll likely die soon, not prepared for her death. She steps up to him, and he looks at her as she recalls hearing about her grandfather's death - now, with her sharper memory, she can acutely remember a death. Edwin urges her not to fret due to her grandmother's age; her time has been approaching for years, and she cut most of the family out. Winter, not entirely shocked and knowing her father can vouch for this behavior, asks if this is so. Nodding, her father places his hands on hers, telling her that even though he doesn't have the best relationship with Anny, she's still his mother and has convinced him to open up to people like Lorelei. Although she hides it, Anny does love all of her family, including Winter herself. Lorelei agrees with Edwin, planting a kiss on his cheek, and he says that he will be living in Leavenworth with Barry for a couple of days since Anny's hospital is there, and it will be agonizing and grueling - and when he comes back, it'll probably be hard for him to adjust to seeing his wife and daughter again. Lorelei asks if Fanny is the sensitive one, which he confirms, revealing that she still believes her birth caused Sheila to divorce Barry.

Winter is shocked by this information, feeling for her cousin and hating Sheila for putting her in such a hard place. Her heart aches at the notion of her father going away indefinitely, and despite her conflict with him, she can't imagine what he's going through right now. Both she and Lorelei hug him, with Lorelei encouraging him to stay out in Leavenworth for as long as he needs and to send them texts - she'll take care of Winter - and she will support the cousins throughout this. Winter seconds her, telling Edwin to inform her cousins that she wants to give them a hug and loves them very much. He thanks them, and the family hugs. They all silently vow to pray for Anny's death to be peaceful and one where she reunites with Darrell in heaven, though Winter prays to her animal gods, requesting that they ignore her crazy side and give her light. The weeks pass while her father is away, and frequently, she worries for her father, which worsens each day. She notes that her father is well acquainted with death and dealt with the passing of his father, rendering Winter unable to learn what Darrell was truly like, and now, her father is losing his mother - which will make him and his siblings orphans. At the thought of losing both parents, Winter becomes mortified, thinking of what would happen if she permanently lost her own parents and believing she would be in darkness, her heart ashen, back turned to the world, and lacking anyone to cling onto. Thinking about being alone and losing everything haunts Winter, and she gets a startling epiphany: her father has been through the death process before and will see another decay and a dead body belonging to another one of his parents. Lorelei urges her not to worry about him and to believe in his strengths, which she doesn't doubt, recalling his resolve and temper. Winter also worries about her maternal grandparents, not knowing of their current status from her mother, and she hopes she's okay, wanting Lorelei to avoid becoming a nebulous corpse.

She asks how her grandparents are doing, and she verifies that they're okay - if anything happens to them, Willie will inform her. Surprised, Winter questions if Willie is still living in Texas, and Lorelei clarifies that while he still does, her parents' signal only hooks up to his phone, which she'll have to fix someday. She encourages her to not be so concerned over them or her father, as besides, her grandparents are in assisted living. Winter is relieved with the knowledge of her grandparents living their best life, hoping to see them again as she hopes with her father. While doing chores, both she and Lorelei await news from Edwin, and they are put under strain; Lorelei in particular struggles since she has been through so much hardship to get where she is. She and Winter attempt to live life normally in the meantime, and before going to bed on many nights, Winter vents her worries to her mother, who snuggles with her and promises that she loves her, will do anything for her, accepts her, and will keep anything to prevent death from breaking their family apart. She takes in Lorelei's love, finding it to be the perfect gift, and she silently urges her mother to stay strong and thrive for years to come, declaring that she loves her. Winter expresses her desire for her to stay alive, or else, the world would be full of emptiness. Two weeks after Edwin's depature, he finally calls, and Lorelei answers. Winter sees her face fall, knowing immediately what has happened before her mother tells her in words: Anny has died. She nods solemnly, certain her grandmother has found peace and has stopped being delusional. Even with her bizarre beahvior, Winter did like her first meeting with Anny, who was the sole link to her deceased grandfather, and she notes that death impacts them all.

Once the call ends, both Lorelei and Winter think about the future and Edwin coming home, and Winter greatly misses his presence and him being the person he is, which helps to make the McCormick house what it is. Winter prays to her animal spirits, pleading for them to bring her father back, and the next morning, her words prove to be true. While eating breakfast the next morning, the door opens, and Lorelei rushes out from the kitchen. The person who has just entered the house looks at Winter, greeting her, and she excitedly runs into him. Her father twirls her around, chestnut eyes shining, and Lorelei exclaims that they're happy he's home. The family embraces, and Winter feels tears splashing on her cheeks, realizing that they are coming from her father. For the first time, she sees how fragile he is, having forgotten that he is a human - capable of making mistakes and being see-through. Edwin is more than just a strict father, but also a man willing to keep his family together by any means. Lorelei, interrupting her daughter's analysis, puts a hand under her husband's chin, checks in on him and encourages him to get comfortable, but he reminds her not to tucker herself out and take things one at a time. Scratching behind her ear, she apologizes, expressing her relief that he's home and stating that she's sorry for the loss of Anny, recalling the loss of Darrell. Edwin notes that his mother is at peace now and relaxing in heaven, also noting that Winter's cousins are alright, including Fanny. He asks her to make him what she's currently cooking in the kitchen, and cuffing him over the ear, Lorelei tells him that he's causing her to use up the rest of her French toast ingredients before walking off. Winter hugs her father again, and he admits that he's so happy to see her again. Winter says that she missed him, mentioning the spooky atmosphere, but he observes that she and her mother kept each other company and held down the fort.

Soon, fall has reached Pineshadow, and Winter absorbs the confidence and cockiness of her fourth grade self, ready to make her mark in the world, and as for her family, they have moved on from Anny's death. She declares that nothing will tear her family apart, not realizing how wrong she will come to be. An unusual amount of illness spreads within Pineshadow, and with the danger, her mother goes into quarantine. This leaves her tasks, such as gardening, up to Winter and her father, who are also careful to disinfect to make certain that Lorelei does not contract any illness. Unfortunately, her lupus symptoms flare up violently, becoming her worst flareup in her entire history with the disease; rashes attack her skin and are relentlessly itchy. She goes back on a fluid diet due to her sore mouth, and her arms and legs stiffen, limiting her to selective movement. Winter and Edwin help her get up and walk, trying to alleviate her symptoms in any way possible, though their efforts prove to be futile all too often, and they prepare to spend their entire budget. The babying annoys Lorelei, and she insists to Edwin that she is fine and doesn't need to be fussed over. He insists that she exercises to help her muscles, but she doubles down on her claim that she's fine, worrying Winter, who knows that she isn't fine. In slight pain, she agrees with her father and urges her to move around, eat, and drink. Lorelei concedes to her daughter and gets up, stiffly walking laps, and her family makes her more liquid food. Meanwhile, the more her school becomes sick, Winter grows concerned that she'll be sick herself, fearing she'll pass something onto her already-sickly mother.

She assures herself that she won't get ill, but four days later, she wakes up with sore, runny eyes, a stuffy nose, and a headache. She sneezes, realizing she has a cold and telling herself that it's not a big deal, believing that her mother can hunker down while she recovers with medicine. Upon finding out that she is sick, Edwin treats her before checking on his wife. Winter struggles to eat through her coughing fits, only happy she's not at school. Her mother shelters away in her room, causing her to feel worried and frustrated over the intentional dissonance, hoping that she doesn't make her mother ill. Her father comes back with the cold medicine, asking her what's wrong, and she confides in him that she doesn't want her mother to avoid them. She coughs, and reminding her to cover her mouth, Edwin states that Lorelei is quarantining as a protective measure for the family, and when she comes out, life will return to normal. Winter yearns for her sickness to be over, but her symptoms worsen, and her father proceeds to also fall ill, clocking in with a high fever and runny nose. By now, Lorelei spends most of her time in her bedroom and has her food left at the door, not exercising and moving enough, which Winter fears will be bad for her heart. Some days, she hears her mother in the kitchen making her food, wanting to do things her own way instead of having to be helped, making her fear her lupus is overriding her common judgment. Winter fears that cracks under the surface are showing. Two days later, Winter and her father's symptoms ease, and they eat beef, rice, and vegetables at the dinner table with Lorelei. Noticing her mother picking at her food and not eating it worries Winter, who raises an eyebrow, and her father also sees this behavior. He questions his wife on if she's not hungry, and she nods, half of her soul gone.

Her daughter asks if she's okay, catching her off guard, and Winter senses the pain and alert in her mother. Lorelei insists that she's alright, but just tired, and her stuttering heavily concerns her family. She excuses herself from the table to use the restroom, taking a step before she clutches her chest, swaying and collapsing onto the kitchen tile. Both Winter and Edwin scream her name at once, and Edwin runs to her side, attempting to help her in vain. Petrified, Winter wonders what is going on with her mother, who has gone lifeless and eerily empty. Momentarily, she frets that she has had a heart attack, but her father snaps her out of her thoughts and additional screaming, urging her to listen to every word he says. She nods, and Edwin orders her to stay with Lorelei, remain calm, and keep her breathing while he dials 9-1-1. Winter hesitates in trepidation, but with more insistence, she runs and performs CPR to the best of her ability. Four minutes later, paramedics arrive and lift Lorelei's body onto a stretcher. Winter and her father hop into the ambulance, speeding off in the direction of Travis J. Wong Emergency Center; Lorelei is hooked to an IV tube, and Winter feels the world spin off its axis. She worries about running out of time, sobbing her heart out and coughing. Five minutes later, they arrive at the hospital and dash through hallways before Lorelei is wheeled into a room behind a blue curtain. Winter cajoles her father into not ripping it off, insisting that they probably don't want to know what they're doing to her mother. She doesn't know where to find any confort, seeing her father's eyes lacking color, and while she tries to breathe in and out, she remembers the horrific scenes of her mother's collapse at home.

She tells herself to be realistic, but questions why the world is on fire. After what seems like ages, a nurse emerges from behind the curtain and admits that Lorelei's prognosis is not looking great, and Edwin demands her status, to which she replies that her immune system is weak, coated with mucus and fluids, but she's having liquids injected into her body. She is also thin, having not eaten much, and Winter and her father collectively realize that Lorelei was sick all along and hid it from them. Both deflate with the news, especially Edwin. The nurse says that they will run more tests, confident that this is more than a cold, and observing that the two are sick, she states that they'll need medical attention as well. Edwin protests that he can't leave Lorelei, but the nurse retorts that their illness requires medical treatment, leading them to a different room and leaving Lorelei to be tended to by other nurses. Fifteen minutes later, the doctor, Dr. Dee, enters the room and requests their names, which Edwin shares. The doctor infers that they are sick, and Edwin prompts him on his wife, to which he promises to get to her shortly. After he diagnoses them with pneumonia, Edwin encourages him to check on Lorelei. He rushes off to do so, and the silence gives Winter time to process the truth she is now aware of. She leans up against her father, admitting to him that she thinks her mother has pneumonia, but he denies it frantically, telling her to not think like that. She points out that they must have passed it to her, but Edwin silences her again, and Winter chastises herself inwardly for worsening her father's anxiety. She thinks of her mother as she holds onto her other parent, and soon, Dr. Dee returns. His face is dismal and solemn, and worried, Winter immediately knows what he's going to say.

He confirms that Lorelei does have pneumonia, but this time, there's a catch, horrifying Edwin. Dr. Dee adds that Lorelei's lupus compromises her conditions, as the fluid stored in her lungs combined with her recent flareup practically severed her air supply. Winter is stunned, and Edwin begs for her to be okay, which Dr. Dee confirms. However, Lorelei must stay at the hospital indefinitely and will be hooked to an IV and antibiotics - they will see tomorrow if she is able to eat solid food. He thanks the doctor, and knowing her father is sinking to the lowest point in his life, Winter notes that she can't lose her mother, who's helped her through many hardships, including her trials against Edwin. Feeling dread and letting herself cry, she promises to her father that she's here, and Dr. Dee leaves, encouraging them to pray for Lorelei and have hope for her recovery even if nothing is guaranteed. Winter tells herself to hope, remembering her mother's resolve and will, convincing herself that someone is listening to her. Her father moves her onto his lap, encouraging her to pray to the Holy Three for her mother's recovery, though she instead prays to the animal spirits, bleeding hearts, and bird feathers, holding nothing against her father as she hugs him. Later that night, they get to see Lorelei hooked to numerous machines and sleeping. The nurse explains that although they were able to pump fluid and food into her body, she is struggling to function and needs rest, but they are welcome to stop by and visit her tomorrow. Both blow kisses to Lorelei, saying that they love her before returning home, taking their medicine, and heading to bed. The next day, the house is hollow and ghostly without Lorelei's presence. Winter and Edwin check back in after dinner, heading up to Lorelei's room, and the nurse shares with them good news: Lorelei is awake, and she turns to face them, smiling through her respirator.

The nurse explains that she has to rely on her respirator to breathe, but she can talk in small amounts - not too much due to exhaustion. They acknowledge this, and she takes her leave so they can talk to Lorelei. The latter greets them, and Edwin expresses his relief that she is awake, to which she assures him that she's okay, trying to put her hand on his chest. He puts it on her mattress, urging her to rest and wanting to speak to her privately, if it's fine with Winter. Winter says she can wait outside, dipping out and not eavesdropping. The nurse passes by her, asking her where her father is, and she remarks that he's speaking to her mother alone. She then prompts Winter on how old she is, surprising her, but thinking it's for hospital stuff, she answers that she's nine and will be ten in December. The nurse relates to her pain over the situation, noting that for someone her age, she is shockingly mature. Edwin pokes his head out, informing Winter that her mother wants to speak with her, and she heads back into the room. They greet each other warmly, and Winter holds her mother's hand, interlocking their fingers together. She tells herself not to cry, willing herself to be strong, and she apologizes to Lorelei for all of this - she doesn't deserve these diseases, and she loves her infinitely - there are many more things she can say, but she urges her mother to fight like she has done before. Glancing up at her affectionately, Lorelei admits that she's the whole world to her and is so proud of her for what she has accomplished, stopping for a minute to breathe. She continues, adding that she loves her for who she is and encouraging her to cultivate the ember in her heart; she loves her and will always protect her.

For a while, they discuss their favorite things until Lorelei becomes too exhausted. The nurse tells her that her mother needs rest, and blowing a kiss to her sleeping form, Winter quietly says that she loves her before taking her leave. Her hope that her mother will survive builds, determined that she'll make it through, and her father agrees with her. Despite their hope, it proves to be extremely misplaced. One day later, Winter return to school with her classmates and is in the middle of being taught the Battle of Wounded Knee when Ms. Smallbison receives a call from the front, and she informs Winter that she's being signed out. Appalled, Winter has no clue what's going on until she meets her frantic father in the lobby, and yanking her by the wrist, he reveals to her that her mother almost went comatose due to her body refusing food and drink. Winter spirals into hysterics, her hopes for her mother fizzling out, and fearing her death, she sobs, barely able to be comforted by her father throughout the drive to the hospital. Upon arriving, they rush to Lorelei's room, and Edwin demands an update on her condition. The nurse reassures him that she has been stabilized and is taking in food and drink, but there is an additional problem. He prompts her, and Winter leans up against him. The nurse confesses that Lorelei is weak and that her lupus is overriding any efforts to combat her pnuemonia, and despite Edwin's insistence that something can be done, she solemnly says that they can give her medicine - but too much will give her unintended consequences. Calming her father down, Winter asks if they can see her mother, and the nurse grants them permission to do so. Inside, they find Lorelei with a thinner, gaunt, and rashy body, her clothing hanging loosely around her, her body hooked to more machines.

She opens her eyes to find her family, cracking a faint smile, and nearly stumbling to his knees, Edwin tells her that she looks just as beautiful as she did on their first date. Remembering it, she claims it was a time to be alive, and stroking his hand, she thanks him. He urges her to fight, knowing she's seen her demons, but she can't leave this family and give up on him, Winter, and all she has. She vows to keep battling, breaking out into a coughing fit, and she demands to speak to Winter privately. Edwin obliges, leaving the room, and Winter reluctantly approaches her sickly mother. She greets her, and Lorelei expresses her happiness seeing her, dry heaving a few times. Winter shares her belief that she'll recover, thinking about getting milkshakes and stargazing with her again, willing herself to be optimistic. Lorelei comments that she'd love that, shuddering, and her daughter inquires if there is anything she can do to help soothe her. She responds that she appreciates her company, adding that she knew she was perfect from the day of her birth, loving her more than she loves herself - she is part of the reason why she is still here today. Touched, Winter lets herself cry, and her mother continues, mentioning that she loves how she refused to obey her father's standards and made connections outside of religion, as well as listening to her heart. Winter confides that she likes being a tomboy, making her mother's eyes glint with approval, and she states that she grew her love of nature, praising her for branching out and not allowing anyone to cork her curiosity. Brushing away her tears, Winter thanks her, not knowing where she'd be without her and loving Lorelei for everything that makes her unique.

She tells her mother that she gives her strength and lets her rant to her when she is upset, declaring that she is her everything, and when this is over, they can go to Häagen-Dazs and Hot Topic again, which she is confident of. Lorelei rasps that she'd like that, staring up at Winter and caressing her chin, advising her to let her heart guide her forward - no one is to dictate who she is supposed to be. Sensing her shift in tone, she feels like something is amiss. Lorelei urges her to be herself and what no one expects, and if she ever needs guidance, it'll be up with the stars. Suddenly, Winter connects her pointers to the messages in her lullaby, and remembering the times they stargazed, she realizes the truth: her mother is instructing her on what to do when she dies, indicating that she knows her time is near. Winter frantically begs her not to say things like that, keeping her voice to a whisper as to not make her father panic. Lorelei ignores her, reminding her of the message in her lullaby - she will in the stars when she dies, and her daughter must remain strong and carry on, even when she is alone and feels betrayed. Instead of lifting her up, Winter is mortified, and dreading what could be inevitable, she pleads for her mother to conquer her battle with pneumonia. Again ignoring her outcry, Lorelei reveals that she has a present for her. Confused, Winter sees nothing in the hospital room that could indicate a present, and looking away from her, Lorelei says that while this gift was originally her tenth birthday present, it would best if she has it now. She glances at the corner of the room and shouts for a "Sal," baffling Winter more, but all of a sudden, her neighbor, Saul, emerges from behind a curtain with a Walmart bag in his hand.

Winter wonders how he learned about her mother's hospitalization, but doesn't ask. He tells her that her mother wanted him to gift her something, inviting her to come see, and she approaches. Saul, reaching onto the bag, pulls out the same box Lorelei purchased at Tuesday Morning - except now, it is covered in fluid silver etchings depicting snow, nature, symbols, and leaves, with the bottom of the box bearing her initials, WM. She gasps, realizing that the box was her tenth birthday present all along, and the carvings remind her of something that she can't put a finger on. Placing a hand on the symbols makes her think of a blacksmith controlling metal, and suddenly, she figures out that the carvings were deliberate - her mother had requested that Saul etch the cover art one of Varien's songs, *Aether and Light*, into the box - because she knew how much she loves Varien. Saul asks if she loves it, and Winter excitedly exclaims that she does, repeatedly retracing the edges and thanking her mother, saying that she has no idea how much this means to her. Lorelei, yawning, insists that the box's magic is all hers, and Saul leaves the room. Winter follows him, but her mother stops her, having one last thing to say to her. She urges Winter to rely on her strengths, find her battlecry, listen to her heart and never deny her will to go on journeys - she is beautiful, and no one can taint that fact. She closes her eyes, and leaving the room, Winter presents the box to her father. He questions if that's truly the birthday present, and Winter confirms it, agreeing that now is the right time for her to have it. She states it's everything, and her father echoes her sentiment. An ember of hope soars in her heart, but a day later, it dies, as her mother is now past the point of no return.

On the next visitation, she is asleep and so thin that her muscles are protruding, her skin unable to contour to her bones. Edwin is in dismay over her condition, and Winter observes that nearly every machine and a toilet bag are hooked to her mother, rendering her unable to move. The nurse reveals even more bad news: Lorelei is unable to process any food or drink due to being backlogged with mucus, and because of her condition, she can't have surgery. Edwin demands why, preparing to lose his nerve, and Winter is uncertain on if her mother will survive, recalling her hints of dying from the previous day. She holds onto her father as the nurse lightly explains that Lorelei is too fragile to be rushed into surgery - if she is rushed into one, she could fall into a coma or at worse, die - and the most that can be done is for her to be hooked to machines. Crushed, Edwin takes up Lorelei's hand into his, whimpering, and Winter prompts him. Instead of answering her, he begs for Lorelei to survive, wanting her to see Winter grow up, which hits a nerve in Winter. Her head spins, and she digs her fingernails into her father's back. She tells herself that her mother can't die, not after she's fought lupus for so many years, insisting that death will not happen. Noticing the faint rise and fall of her chest, she prays with her father for someone to listen and keep her mother from being forgotten, but rather alive and with lupus diminished as a threat. Both Winter and Edwin hope for a miracle and that Lorelei will heal, hug her daughter, and share her favorite snacks and wine with her husband. However, this thinking proves fruitless, as Lorelei's weight has dropped below the healthy amount; her skin has sagged away from her bones, causing them to jut out, and her body is covered in rashes.

Winter finds the sight haunting, and knowing she'll have no body if she doesn't heal, she begs for her to recover and not die yet. On the fourth day, Lorelei's vitals are low, and her eyes have permanently closed. Edwin keeps acting affectionately with her, giving her prayers, and two somber nurses enter the room. One of them grimly informs them that her conditions are worsening and that she does not have much time left, and Edwin blankly states that nothing can be done, unable to look away from his wife of many years. Winter brushes out her hair, unsettled by her father's inner turmoil. The other nurse concurs that nothing is able to be done, admitting that they came in to ask Edwin about something personal, and his co-worker reveals that they came in to discuss hospice arrangments. Winter senses something insidious, tensing, and Edwin repeats the information, finally taking his gaze off Lorelei. One of the nurses confirms this, stating that Lorelei is never going to recover, shocking Winter. The other nurse presses her father on whether or not Lorelei should be in hospice, but Edwin refuses to have her sent there, growling that as long as her heart is still beating, he's not sending her to her death. Winter nervously asks him what hospice is, barely able to comprehend what's going on, and the female nurse gently clarifies that people who are in hospice stop receiving medical treatment and live out their final days in peace. She realizes that, to her father, hospice is the admission that Lorelei will die - she is only not going there due to her father's bullheaded belief that she will survive. Winter than realizes that her mother's death is imminent, and at any given moment here in the room, she could die around her loved ones. Now aware that she is going to lose her mother and can't break the news to her father due to his mental instability, she notes that they'll have to wait for the time of her passing to come.

She wonders where the light has gone, thinking it has abandoned her. The fifth and final day in the ICU comes, and by now, all of Lorelei's machines, sans her heart monitor, have been disconnected. Lorelei herself is thin, dull, the blue in her eyes faded behind her eyelids. She gradually grows weaker and weaker, and at approxmiately 6:37, she takes her final breath and dies, her heart monitor going dead. Edwin screams, falling onto her now-dead body and begging for her or any miracle to revive her, but nothing changes, and Winter hugs him. She touches her mother's side, feeling the cold seep into her, and she accepts her death. Panicking, she realizes that she wasn't prepared for the impact of Lorelei's death at all, especially since it happened in a week, calling her and her father delusional for even thinking she'd survive when her body was already damaged from years of fighting lupus. Now partially orphaned, Winter breaks down alongside her father and lets go of her mother's wrist for the last time, seeking comfort from her only parent. Demanding how Lorelei is gone, she pleads for her to come back, not wanting to be alone with her father, and she wonders why she's denying it when death has claimed her mother - who, for years, loved her, protected her, sung to her, and guided her through life. Remembering her vow to live life to its fullest, Winter feels like she failed her mother, thinking about how time is precious since you never know when the dawn brings death. She and her father are powerless as a tarp is pulled over Lorelei's body, and remain powerless as they are given condolences, watching the body be wheeled out. They return home, coming back to a lifeless place. Winter runs into her room, forgetting everything and weeping with the box, her mother's last gift to her, until she falls asleep, never to feel Lorelei's love again.

A day later, she wakes up, expecting pancakes, spice, chatter in the kitchen, and her mother kissing her goodbye before she goes to school, but she remembers that her mother is dead, and therefore none of what she imagined has taken place. Her father sits idly, silenced, his eyes hazy and gray from grief, which Winter immediately senses in him and herself, almost making her throw her cereal against the wall. She notes that her mother's funeral is today per custom in Jewish families, and she wishes not to attend because of her lack of an eulogy and uncertain feelings - and she can't drop her guard at school, or everyone will pester her and cause her to break down. However, knowing her mother would have never wanted her to skip school, she declines her father's offer for her to stay home and powers through her teachings, with no one detecting the turmoil blooming in her family and no one figuring out that she has lost her mother. When the school day ends, Winter and her father travel to Harmony Hollow, the drive lumpier to Winter than ever before since the typical routine at synagogue, mostly involving her mother, is no more than a memory. For Lorelei's funeral, Edwin makes his daughter wear a veil to hide her semi-shaved head, and this time, she doesn't question it due to her grief. Beasley and Remi greet them, with Remi apologizing, murmuring that Lorelei was beautiful. Beasley promises that they won't suffer through this by themselves, offering their support, and Edwin thanks him. Remi then grabs a basket of gifts off a nearby table, handing it to Winter, and she says that she can't imagine what she's feeling over losing her mother right now - no child deserves this. Wiping her eyes, Winter thanks her for the gift basket, and she and Beasley hug her.

Although the hug is comforting, Winter is numb to the feeling. Out of nowhere, Abigail approaches her, and she gasps in disbelief. Her ex-friend admits that this is awkward, as they haven't spoken in years, but she's sorry for her loss, unable to imagine a parent dying. Winter doesn't respond, and she apologizes again, fondly remembering Lorelei's Rosh Hashanah present to her family. Abigail hugs her, but makes it brief because of Winter's lethargy and vacancy. Afterward, Winter's family arrives, starting with her mother's siblings, and Willie looks particularly battered by Lorelei's death. Next to arrive are Lorelei's parents, who have lost much of their perception but have been heavily impacted by the loss of their daughter, and then her father's siblings, minus Lewis. Jodie appears to be visibly upset over the loss of Lorelei while Barry is extremely crestfallen, likely thinking of his split from his ex-wife. Last to arrive are Winter's cousins, all aged up and distraught. Rabbi Kealer begins the funeral procession, going on for a long time about Lorelei's importance and cherishing memories, and as he speaks, her coffin is carried through the isles and propped open, showcasing her clean, neat body. Winter sees that the interior decorations are Pacific bleeding hearts, her mother's favorite flower, and her father sorrowfully murmurs that it's perfect. Realizing that he made all of the arrangements himself, Winter respects him more for such a hard task, and she internally thanks him for giving her mother the best funeral possible without her final will. One by one, the eulogies for Lorelei begin, starting with everyone not related to her. The Preslies and Sanchezes share how they'd known Lorelei for years and how she taught them to enjoy the environment and all facets of life.

After them are her siblings, who reveal that she was the leader of them and never resented any of them for the decisions they made, and they mention that she was hilarious. Together, they loved her for who she was and for her tenderness. Following them are Edwin's siblings, and Jodie is respectful in her eulogy, praising Lorelei for her grit, will to live, and compassion. Barry echoes her, recalling his failed relationship. After them are Winter's cousins, who somberly reveal that Lorelei was a second mother to them: she encouraged Steph to chase her dream of being a motorcycle engineer, urged Brody to be the best brother he could be to Fanny, and lifted Fanny up, persuading her that her mother divorcing her father was not her fault - she was perfect the way she was. When the cousins are finished, Winter nudges her father up onto the podium for his eulogy, glancing at his wife's body before beginning. His words are shaky, and he repeatedly trips over his words, making Winter note that losing Lorelei has screwed with his perception. By sentence six, he chokes out the eulogy in tears, expressing his love for Lorelei even when he disagreed with her, and remembering how she taught him to appreciate the best things in the world, from the fun things to the small things, and sharing it with their daughter. Winter smiles and nods, which allows him to finish and earn a round of applause from the synagogue. Anxiously, Winter prepares for her eulogy, knowing the weight of her speech since she was the person closest to her mother. She makes her way to the podium, scanning the crowd, and brushing aside her veil, she prepares to read over her ad-libbing. Clearing a lump in her throat, Winter begins, admitting that it's been difficult to speak due to the fact that she is motherless; it only feels like yesterday that her mother kissed her goodbye as she went to school.

People can dispute it, but she was close to her mother, and they were both together forever. Lorelei never let her lupus stop her from fighting, and she dedicated her whole life to the world and everyone. She was full of passion and a love of nature, fostering curiosity that did get Winter in trouble, but her work has paid off, as she is closely intertwined with nature now. She imagines the sounds of insects and birds, feeling more relaxed, and she continues on with her eulogy. In the days leading up to her death, Lorelei advised Winter to be herself and not let anyone else that wasn't her influence her decisions - today, she honors her, saying that while she may not know how the outside world functions and might drift away from strangers, she was valued by her mother when others didn't. Her father looks at her, realizing her indirect callout of his treatment of her. Winter remarks that if she were in a flash flood or storm, her mother would remind her to cling to her vitality, if the dark overwhelmed her, to spark up a flame, and if thunder shook the ground, to grow her wings and fly. She and Lorelei embarked on trips to many places, remembering her fondness of hummingbirds, gardening, bees, bleeding hearts, and cooking. The ache in her chest eases, and Winter sees that she has not failed her mother and has made the connections and relationships her mother encouraged her to forge, making her heart beat as fast as a hummingbird. Going on, Winter describes one of her mother's biggest achievements: her singing voice, remembering her lullaby that promised she'd be up in the stars when she died, finding them to be her friends - and they are hers, too. She hopes that a million stars are shining in her eyes, something her father appears to indicate, and Winter presses on, her mother's bold streak seizing her.

She repeats that her mother encouraged her to be herself, and over time, she evolved, finding who she was and accomplishing things none of them will believe, even her own father. Believing Lorelei to be listening to her words, she tears the veil off her head and proudly showcases her semi-shaved head to the crowd, dumbfounding Edwin, who has no response to his daughter's defiance. The synagogue erupts in cheering and clapping, proving her father wrong with the overwhelming praise, and Winter wishes to bathe in the moment forever. Silencing the crowd, she finishes her eulogy by saying that she wants to spend the rest of her life with her mother, but that will never happen, and it hurts to hink about how Lorelei will never see her grow up. She left behind a loving family who cherished her, but now, she is with Yahweh and other spirits in the stars. Someday, they will be reunited, but Winter knows she'll find her mother in her dreams, comforted by how she had raised her. Lorelei will be missed, but she will always be in her heart. The synagogue claps, as does Edwin, who maintains his incredulous look. Winter notes the boundaries she has crossed, but sensing a missing part of her eulogy, she stops the musical ensemble from performing and requests her own choice of song to honor her mother - *Ghost Spores*. As the song is played, the synagogue vibes along to it, and her father stops questioning her choices. Winter finds the funeral bittersweet, not only accepting that her mother is gone, but feeling joy at establishing her deep relationship she had with her, knowing that wherever she goes, she'll always be with her. After Lorelei's coffin is buried, Winter and her father return home, expecting to see Lorelei somewhere and remembering that she is dead, the house bleak and empty without her. What Winter sees is black-and-white, and hearing her father retreat into his room, she thinks about everything she used to have her mother, all lost to time.

Every time she hears something move or rattle, she believes her mother has come back, only to see that she's deluding herself, and she sniffs. Winter chastises herself for trying to chase a ghost, reminding herself that her mother is dead and not coming back. Feeling her mother's second-to-last gift to her, her Hot Topic necklace, she cries, fleeing to her room and grabbing Lorelei's last gift, the box. She admires the gifts, calling them her laurels and her mother's spores, comparing them to the theming of *Ghost Spores*. As she hugs the box, her father comes in and calls her name. Seeing her distressed, Edwin sits by her and comments that the box is beautiful, and Winter sobs that it was the last gift her mother ever gave her. He replies that he knows, scooting closer to her, though she doesn't know how to go on without Lorelei - which means that she also doesn't know how to face her father and be herself at the same time. She wonders if anything will ever be the same, squeezing the box, and in an attempt to reassure his daughter, Edwin gives her a half-smile. This doesn't work, and Winter confesses to missing her mother, finding it unfair that she's not alive and feeling like something is wrong without her. Softening, her father agrees with her that it's unfair, missing Lorelei and noting that he'll have to adapt to being her sole remaining parent. At once, she wails, remembering her father's attempts to make her obey her religion and how she didn't expect to be stuck with him as her only guardian. Edwin hugs her, promising that he won't leave her, and Winter observes that he has been sleepless for over a week since Lorelei's hospitalization and death. He confides that he never expected to fall in love with Lorelei, but eventually, he knew that she was the one, loving her passion and talent and noting how beautiful her eyes were.

Lorelei had quite the personality as well, more of a peacemaker, but also unabashed, soft, proud, and nature-loving. Winter looks up at her father, dragging her heels across the bedframe as Edwin admits to her being a witness to his and Lorelei's clashes, but losing his wife has made him lose some of himself. His voice cracks, and he takes a sharp intake of breath; Winter sees that he feels the same way she does, and she hopes her mother is watching from the stars as she promised, wondering if she's up there right now. Her father affirms that she is and that she would be proud of her for her evolution and maturity. Agreeing, Winter stares at the box, suddenly realizing that they have no way to carry on Lorelei's legacy, and she becomes upset. Edwin prompts her on what's wrong, to which she tearfully admits that they don't have a method of carrying on what her mother left behind - the house doesn't even feel like a home without her, and it's haunting. Her father's face contorts with sympathy and pain, and he apologizes to her, confident they can find a way to honor Lorelei since she presented herself in many ways. Winter ponders on how they can honor her, ruling out objects, but recalling her interests, she gets an idea and decides to ask her father something. Edwin prompts her, and she begs him to carry on Lorelei's legacy, as she'd want them to continue cherishing what made them special. Flustered, he struggles to form a response, which Winter takes as him refusing. Dejected, she grips onto him tightly as if he is about to be killed in front of her, pleading for him to not turn her away - he's her only parent, and he needs to care for her - she needs him more than anyone in her life. Edwin is too stunned to respond, and she cries that Lorelei would want him to take the best step forward. They're both broken and trying to cope with losing the person they loved, but they can't stow away her legacy.

He acknowledges her words, and continuing her rant, Winter adds that she isn't asking him to become her mother and won't force him to bend over backwards to do that - she is only asking for him to pick up what she left behind. Taken aback, he apologizes, insisting he's trying his best. She hugs him tightly, urging him to start with the garden, taking pictures, and enjoying what it feels like to be alive, things he remembers, and with additional prompting from Winter, Edwin finally agrees to take up Lorelei's legacy and carry it on. He then scoots away from Winter, staring at the wall, and momentarily thinking he might have pushed her away for her synagogue outburst and showing something Jewish woman don't typically do (cutting hair short), she tenses. She calls out to him, making him turn toward her, and she apologizes for ripping her veil off, admitting that she thought her mother would have wanted her to do it. Wanting her father to understand her, and drifting into her thoughts regarding synagogue, Winter notes last went there for her mother's funeral. She wonders how she can even go back, and having accomplished everything at Harmony Hollow, Winter admits that she doesn't want to go to synagogue anymore. Her father stiffens in shock, and she fears that she's given him a valid reason to reject her. He asks if she doesn't want to go back, and Winter retorts that there's nothing there - it's not the same without her mother, who's funeral service was held there, and it hurts her. When Edwin admits to feeling the exact way she did in his youth, he mentions that Lorelei didn't want him to tell her this story until she was older, as she feared she would hold a grudge. With her permission, he tells her the story, revealing that he had a previous love interest before Lorelei named Enid.

Eventually, after escaping his mother's suffocating ways, he met Lorelei. After their heart-to-heart, Edwin and Winter bond and slowly begin to recover from Lorelei's death, and while they still miss her immensely, they carry on her legacy by performing her favorite tasks and relishing in her interests. Winter hopes that she is among the stars and watching over them. She also listens to her father's memories of Lorelei. At one point, Winter visits her mother's grave and plants a Pacific bleeding heart by it, which is captured in a photo and stored in her box. One evening, Edwin decides to take her to a place she's never visited before, and she notes that ever since her mother died, the planned spring trip to Heartbeat Point had been postponed. Therefore, they will spend it somewhere else. Winter asks where they're going, but her father doesn't give a name, only telling her that she'll see. The sun sets, and fifteen minutes later, they arrive at a body of water known as Rye Lake, and the place rings a bell to Winter. They sit down at the edge of the lakeshore, and Edwin admits that this place is very special to him, asking his daughter if she wants to know why. She agrees, wanting to know why she seems so familiar with the lake, and her father reveals that he went on his first date with Lorelei here. He also fished here with Winter's grandfather and caught a sunfish. Winter remembers her parents discussing the first date in the hospital, noting her mother stating that it was a time to be alive, and she agrees with her, finding the lake exceptional. Later, her father continues to maintain Lorelei's bleeding hearts and crops. Eventually, Winter wishes to cut her hair again, and knowing her father won't, she recalls her mother's advice and opts to cut it herself.

When her father is shocked by her new haircut, Winter partially lies that she wanted to honor her mother for previously cutting her hair. Edwin, embracing her new hair, says that she's a very bold thinker just like her mother was. Closing out the chapter, Winter mentions that she still misses Lorelei and wishes they could have spent more time together, but her death led to a new chapter for her and her father.

#### *Soulmates*

Winter notes that her father has done well tending to Lorelei's garden, though unlike Lorelei, he does not like the bees. She knows his work would have made her mother smile - she always finds a way to make her presence known - and in the present day, Winter asks her to smite her father. Upon meeting Daniela, Winter notes that her mother would have approved of their relationship. Daniela is quick to sense Lorelei's absence, though does not comment about it to Winter. She asks her father to spare some crops from Lorelei's garden for her own mother, Rex, and Winter hopes her mother is witnessing this. When sharing secrets with Daniela, Winter mentions getting her necklace from Hot Topic without her father's permission, not disclosing that her mother actually bought it. During her first sleepover with Daniela, Winter sits on her bed and feels her heart tugging towards her box, noting that Daniela is not aware of its existence. The memories in her box are sacred, and she wonders if she is at the stage to confide to her best friend about them. She remembers how personal the photos are to her, especially because they include her dead mother, and she pulls the box out from under the bed. Feeling its sides, she opens it, letting herself cry as she picks up the Christmas photo of her and her family. Winter fills with melancholy over her mother, knowing she would have loved Daniela and would have been proud of her for making new connections. Touching her mother's outline, she tearfully says that she misses her and wishes she would have gotten a chance to meet her. Daniela then returns, asking if she likes her PJs, but freezing upon seeing her friend in emotional freefall. She sits down by her, demanding what's wrong, and Winter hides the photo, too distressed to speak.

With Daniela's reassurance, Winter shows her the photo. Daniela realizes that she doesn't have her mother, apologizing for the loss and being unable to imagine what she's feeling. Winter admits that she thought of her dying before she got the chance to meet her - she greatly misses her. Daniela, filling with sympathy for her, asserts that she knows how she feels. They press their shoulders together, quiet for a minute until Daniela questions what she feels reflecting about her mother. Winter responds that she feels melancholy, but knows her mother is among the stars and watching her. She sniffs, a stray tear falling, and Daniela apologizes again. She confesses knowing to something behind the scenes, but not prying since this was clearly heavily personal for her to open up about, and that takes a lot of strength to do. She agrees, her hands still held by her friend, and Daniela inquires as to what happened to her mother. Winter reveals that she died of pneumonia back in the fall, but was always sickly. Her friend nods, rubbing her shoulder blade and causing her to relax considerably. Daniela affirms that her mother is free of her pain and will watch over her - she raised someone beautiful. Winter surges with overwhelming emotion at Daniela calling her beautiful, and the latter then confirms that she doesn't have a parent as well. She goes quiet, and Winter listens to her as she explains that her father divorced her mother and left before she was even born. Relating to her situation, Winter brushes away her tears, knowing they are not alone and have each other. The next morning, Winter is internally thankful of Daniela's support in regards to her mother's death.

Later, while at the pool, Winter remembers her mother saving her from nearly drowning in her youth with a net, soon noting that Daniela will be beside her if she is thinking about her mother's death again. When she discusses relationship advice with her father, Winter recalls Edwin telling her that he'd never remarry - he and Winter both jointly agreed that no one could ever replace Lorelei, and Winter didn't want a stepmother in her mother's stead. Her father then tells her that he was very lucky to have met Lorelei, becoming lost in his memories of his deceased wife. Upon finding a Pacific bleeding heart in the Piney Woods, Winter says it was her mother's favorite flower, and Daniela deems it an augury that she has approved of her exploration. Squealing, Winter grows elated and reminisces on her mother's efforts to push her away from conforming to standards, thinking she is watching over her. On a sleepover night between her and Daniela, Winter sits alone outside, glancing up at the stars and asking if her mother is among them, imagining that she is there and soothing her. A breeze tears through her hair tips as she asks if she's meant to be in a relationship with Daniela, if Daniela even has feelings for her. A moment later, Daniela joins her, and they lay on the grass. Winter remarks that stars are strange, but waypoints for them to follow, questioning Daniela on if she remembers her saying that her mother was among the stars. Daniela confirms this, and Winter affirms that her mother is with them, to which she responds that she could be distantly related to Mother Nature. Winter states that she probably was, and Daniela inches closer to her, making her blush. When Winter and Daniela agree to date each other, Winter hopes her mother is witnessing this.

#### *Betrayal of Blood*

Winter believes her mother has blessed her by giving her Kailee in her fifth grade class. After turning eleven, Winter remembers various events in her life, including her mother's death. When Edwin loses his job, he frantically tells Winter that he can't break his promise to Lorelei, but she assures him that he isn't doing that, reminding him that her mother would want him to find a new job. Concurring that she's right, her father notes that like Lorelei, she's an optimist - and he won't let her down. Winter recalls that with her mother's death, she has to rely on her father to keep everything afloat Soon, Edwin starts neglecting Lorelei's garden, leaving Winter to keep one her most precious gifts well kept, and she fears he'll break his oath to her mother. She doesn't want to leave Pineshadow, as it's her link to her family, including her dead mother as well as her father, other family, and Daniela. The latter comforts her, and Winter knows that from her place in heaven, Lorelei won't let her get evicted. After apologizing for snapping at Winter, Edwin remarks that she's just like her mother, and Winter murmurs that she's aware of that. She senses his exhaustion from his hard work and fears that he'd fail Lorelei, which he does end up admitting, and he also confesses that he doesn't want to lose her. Recalling how they bonded over her mother dying, Winter promisese that she won't leave him, even when she's grown.

He reminds her to remember her heritage, much to her irritation, and she names him as the person who helped her pick up the pieces following her mother passing away. Later, Winter recalls being protected by her father when her mother died. When Edwin verbally attacks Winter for being a lesbian, she notes that she was only following the advice her mother gave her. She gets pressed up against the fireplace, and suddenly recalling that her mother has a Star of David hanging on the fireplace in honor of her, Winter knows that Lorelei would have never let her fall at the hands of her father - she would have accepted her for who she was and would have challenged Edwin. She also advised her to be herself and to fuel her passions. With the scrap of defiance from her mother, Winter hisses that Lorelei would have never let him get away with this; she'd do everything in her power to protect her and stop him. This makes Edwin irate, and he snarls at her for using her mother's name wickedly, drawing his pocket knife. Horrifed, her life flashes before her eyes, and she begs her mother to welcome her in the afterlife. Luckily, Edwin only slits Winter's wrist, enabling her to survive, but she angrily notes that Daniela left her to die at the hands of the person who vowed to protect her when her mother died. She scrambles to pack her things and run, tying the necklace, Lorelei's second-to-last gift to her, around her neck. Winter promises to her mother that she'll keep her memories safe, thanking her for all of them.

#### *Only in a Waking Dream*

"*Then* dream *a* new *dream, Winterlyn. One they can't meddle with, taint, or* destroy*. You* must *keep dreaming and keep your mind full of the awe, curiosity, and wonder you've possessed since your youth. Not for a moment should you forget* what *makes you special... never forget the will of your heart. Never forget what* composes *you, love...*"
—Lorelei reminding Winter of what makes her special

Winter often thinks of her mother when she is recounting her memories and trauma. After running away, she briefly visualizes seeing her mother hover over her body, before fully seeing her spirit form in a dream two months later. Winter happily reunites with her, and she encourages her daughter to chase her dreams, follow her heart and instinct, and always dream bigger when the world is against her, before fading out entirely.

#### *Talking of the Axes*

Winter mentions her mother a few times: when she recalls her connection to Pacific bleeding hearts, her death, and her advice to dream a bigger dream.

#### *The Foxes and the Hounds*

Winter recalls memories of her parents a few times.

#### *Snowblind*

Winter visualizes her mother and thinks of her when she reflects on her memories, both good and bad.

#### *Dance of a Thousand Eyes*

Winter recalls her mother's death, and when Evie and Mya provoke her trauma, she thinks about it again and chokes under the weight of the memories, blurting out that her mother has been dead for years. Later, she sees Daniela kill her mother in a horrific nightmare. Upon showing Mya Pacific bleeding hearts, Winter denotes them as her mother's favorite flowers.

#### *Return of Snowlight*

Winter remembers her mother's legacy, first when she visualizes spring and embraces her new mother, Nita; instead of addressing her continually as "Mom," she keeps the latter term specifically for Lorelei and instead opts for the interchangable usage of "Ma" or "Mama." Later, Winter visits her mother's grave with her new family, placing her flowers beside it, and her extended family members note how much she has carried on the legacy of her mother. Soon, she and Mya are mailed her mother's scrapbook, as well as her Polaroid, and together, continue making memories.

### *Little Miss Perfect*

Daniela taunts Winter, saying that her mother is dead and her father doesn't love her anymore.

### Specials

#### *Daniela Wrecks Christmas*

Winter remembers her mother's sense of tidiness. She also recalls how her family liked to celebrate Christmas.

## Personality and Traits

Lorelei was shown to be passionate, bubbly, charismatic, and optimistic. Despite lupus being agonizing to her, she powered on, setting an example for her daughter to follow and being courageous on more than one occasion. Having a natural curiosity and love of nature, Lorelei showcased a tender side of herself when sharing her interests and passing them on to Winter, encouraging her to embrace herself and follow her heart, not what others desired of her. As a mother, she was gentle and more considerate of Winter's feelings in contrast to her strict father, mellowing out the frosty side in Edwin and providing herself as a mediator and voice of reason in arguments. This suggests that she was very wise and wielded useful amounts of intelligence.

Besides her softness and level-headed attutude, Lorelei also possessed a bold side, never afraid to speak her own opinion and protesting when wanting to be heard, though despising raising her voice due to her medical condition. In general, Lorelei believed that beauty was subjective and that anyone was beautiful the way they were, not caring about her sickly appearance and instead taking pride of who she was inside. She was never strict, believing in fairness above everything, though was stern when trying to get her point across. Before her death, she wanted nothing but the best for Winter and urged her to remember to follow her heart, confident her daughter would make the right decisions and emulate her footsteps.

## Family

**Mother:**

Krystine (Living)
**Father:**

Pierre (Living)
**Sisters:**

Bonnie (Living)
Debbie (Living)
**Brother:**

Willie (Living)
**Former Husband:**

Edwin (Living)
**Daughter:**

Winter (Living)
## Trivia

* Lorelei is voiced by Cozi Zuehlsdorff. Zuehlsdorff, besides being notable for being a famous singer on Monstercat, is also an actress known for her role in the *Dolphin Tale* franchise.
	+ In Av's original headcanons, her name was Marion and she was voiced by Mary Passeri instead.
* Her character is very personal to Av, especially since she reminds her of her own mother (who is battling breast cancer), and she is one of her favorite parents to write.
* It is revealed in *Meeting Winter* that Lorelei had lupus, which greatly weakened her autoimmune system and made her more subsceptible to illnesses. She took Methotrexate to alleviate her conditions, though it didn't stop her skin from breaking out in rashes.
* Like Winter, Lorelei was very invested in nature and stars.
* Her favorite hobbies were cooking, photography, and shopping. Her favorite place to shop at was Tuesday Morning.
* If Lorelei was still alive, she would have severely admonished Edwin for attempting to murder Winter and assaulting Daniela. She would have also protected both and enabled their romance to heal.
* Unlike Edwin, Lorelei was never strict with Winter and believed she should be free to express herself as she wanted.
* Due to having lupus, Lorelei could never be around large crowds for long, and she hardly went out during autumn and winter seasons to avoid catching an illness.
* She believed beauty was subjective and that everyone was beautiful regardless of appearance.
* She loved the stars and passed her love of them on to Winter.
* She loved spending private time with Winter and was the one that pushed her to be herself, not what her father wanted her to be.
* Lorelei always knew she was going to die in the hospital, and her dying wish was for Winter to follow her heart and believe in who she was.
* She is the one responsible for getting Winter her last gifts: her necklace and box.
* Lorelei first met and later married Edwin at Heartbeat Point. Their first date was in-state at Rye Lake.