This theme is presented immediately as the book opens, as Gran and Livy’s mother try to help her remember her trip to Gran’s five years prior. At this point, what is at stake in Livy remembering is not clear, and Livy’s forgetting is explained by her young age during her first visit. As she re-meets Bob, however, Livy realizes that she has forgotten many significant aspects of her previous visit. Initially, Livy presumes that her forgetting is natural and normal, though she is surprised that she has no memory of such an unusual event as meeting a “green creature.” As Livy travels into town, however, she forgets Bob again, and it is through the process of remembering him yet again with the help of the black pawn that Livy comes to understand that the forgetting is caused by some kind of magical force.

Bob is hurt by Livy’s inability to remember him. He, on the other hand, has eagerly awaited her return, focusing on her promise to help him return to his home. For Bob, the memory of Livy remains fresh each day, and he frequently imagines what might be keeping her away. When she finally returns, but with no memory of the promise she made, Bob regards this as a broken promise and his trust in Livy is damaged.