Katie has lived next to her whole life is like a friend. It does rumble once in a while, but it's beautiful and its streams of slowly rising smoke comfort her. Still, she can't help but want to see what town is like— especially all the different people who live there. Maybe there will be a sixteen-year-old girl like herself. Even better, maybe she'll meet a handsome boy. Katie hounds her father to take her until she finally gets her wish. As she had hoped, the trip brings excitement, even romance into her life, but it also brings unimagined tragedy.