A journal-style entry opens the narrative and appears before the first chapter. The writer of the entry talks about not wanting to be mourned at their funeral, and that the person being addressed should not blame themselves, though the person being addressed does have a role in the writer’s death. The writer also wonders if they, and the person being addressed, will truly miss one another, and is hesitant about the answer.

Sterling, New Hampshire is a quiet town. It’s small enough that its residents all know one another. The narrative opens at the start of a seemingly ordinary day for these residents. Alex Cormier is now a superior court judge in neighboring Grafton County, and though she is running late for work, pauses to consider the expectations of her new position (she’s had this new job for only thirty-four days). These expectations contrast with the reality of her position in that, as a previous public defender, everyone expects her to side with the defense in court. While mulling over work, Alex also attempts to fulfill her role as a caring mother. Her daughter, Josie, appears to have pulled an all-nighter studying for a test.