On Monday morning before school, Lia’s stepmom, Jennifer, informs Lia that her former best friend, Cassie, was found dead in a motel room over the weekend. Lia describes feeling as if, “my walls go up and my doors lock” (1). Lia thinks, “It’s not nice when girls die” (1).

Jennifer explains that she wanted to tell Lia about Cassie’s death before Lia heard about it at school. The cause of the death is still unknown. Lia asks where her father is, and Jennifer says he had a meeting early at the college where he is a professor. Jennifer recommends Lia make an appointment with her therapist, Dr. Parker, that afternoon, but Lia insists she’ll see Dr. Parker at her regular appointment next week. Jennifer comments that she’s happy Lia and Cassie weren’t friends anymore, because, as she tells Lia, Cassie “could have taken you down with her” (3).

Jennifer reminds Lia to eat something before school. Lia moved in with her father, stepmom, Jennifer, and stepsister, Emma, six months ago after being discharged from a facility for people with eating disorders. A meal plan for Lia is taped to the cabinet.