Catrina, who goes by Cat, narrates the story of her family’s move from Southern California to the Northern California coastal town Bahía de la Luna (Bay of the Moon). Cat’s younger sister, Maya, has CF, a lung disease that causes excessive mucus buildup and digestive issues. Maya’s family is moving to the coast in the hopes that the cool, salty air will help Maya’s symptoms. Cat wants “Maya to be as healthy as possible. Duh!” (7), but on the drive to their new home, she mourns her friends and her old home. The new home is modest, and Maya is excited to be so close to the ocean. Cat finds the new place dark and cold. Her dad thinks it is perfect, and her mother just hopes to help her daughter feel better.

Maya begins to cough excessively. Her mother takes her for her CF treatment, a vest that massages her lungs to loosen the mucus. Maya is an optimistic, happy-go-lucky girl, always smiling, singing, and screaming for joy. While wearing her vest, she sings loudly, enjoying the vibrations. Suddenly, the power goes out; Maya’s vest blew the fuse.

Cat’s mom suggests that she and Maya take a short tour of their new town.