Chapter I introduces the protagonist, who reflects on the family’s recent decision to relocate to a remote area following a traumatic event involving her brother, Fish. Their previous home, nestled by the coast, had been a place where the protagonist had always felt a deep connection to the ocean—its waves and rhythm provided comfort and solace. However, Fish’s relationship with water was far from serene; his connection to the sea seemed to summon storms rather than peace. This dangerous pattern led the family to make the difficult decision to move far inland, away from the coast, seeking safety in a place untouched by the chaos caused by Fish’s unsettling connection to the water. The fateful hurricane that triggered the move occurred on Fish’s thirteenth birthday, which abruptly changed the course of what should have been a joyful celebration. As the storm violently tore through their home, causing trees to crash and windows to shatter, the family’s attempts to keep Fish calm became the focus, while the storm itself symbolized the deeper turmoil they all felt.

After the hurricane had passed, the family settled in a remote area located between Nebraska and Kansas, a place they humorously dubbed Kansaska-Nebransas. This stretch of land, distant from any major bodies of water, offered a sense of safety, with the family hoping to prevent future storms. The isolation brought with it both advantages and drawbacks. While the family found solace in the peace of their new home, the absence of neighbors and the nearest town’s lack of basic amenities left them feeling disconnected from the world they once knew. Though the location promised calm and stability, it also fostered a sense of longing for their old life by the coast, where the protagonist had felt a part of the natural beauty surrounding them. Despite the peace, there was a yearning for the vibrancy they had left behind.

In the midst of this new chapter in their lives, Grandpa Bomba introduces an element of humor and whimsy into the family’s dynamic. He is a figure of lightheartedness, often sharing outlandish stories and tales that entertain his family. One of his favorite stories revolves around his own thirteenth birthday, during which he claims Idaho came into existence, adding a playful, fantastical tone to the otherwise serious atmosphere. These stories, while seemingly trivial, offer a contrast to the protagonist’s own anticipation of her thirteenth birthday. Unlike Grandpa’s whimsical tales, the protagonist is anxious about the milestone birthday, as she hopes to unlock a special ability, or “savvy,” that runs in her family. This ability has been passed down through generations, with each member displaying a unique talent. However, the protagonist’s excitement is tempered by the knowledge that her brother Rocket, at seventeen, has already showcased his special power—electricity. Rocket’s teasing comments about girls not having remarkable savvies only add to the rivalry among the siblings, illustrating the tension and playful teasing that often occurs between family members, especially when one sibling seems to outshine the others.

As the protagonist’s birthday approaches, the excitement and anticipation are clouded by the weight of family expectations and personal anxieties. At a family dinner, the mood shifts unexpectedly when a phone call disrupts the evening, delivering tragic news. The protagonist’s father, Poppa, has been involved in a serious car accident and is now unresponsive in the hospital. This shocking revelation casts a long shadow over the family, turning what should have been a celebratory moment into one of worry and sorrow. The protagonist, particularly, feels the emotional weight of this news, her disappointment and anger growing as she realizes that her thirteenth birthday will no longer hold the joyful significance she had imagined. Instead of feeling special, she feels the burden of the family’s crisis weighing heavily on her, overshadowing her own hopes and dreams for the future.

This chapter serves as a poignant introduction to the emotional landscape of the protagonist’s life, as she navigates family tensions, personal aspirations, and the looming challenges of growing up. The contrast between her excitement for her birthday and the devastating news about her father creates a powerful narrative that reflects the unpredictability of life. While the family’s love for each other is clear, their circumstances and the weight of life-altering events show how fragile their world is. The protagonist’s journey is set up as one that will be shaped by these familial challenges, as she must reconcile her personal dreams and desires with the realities of the world around her. The chapter skillfully combines elements of humor, sadness, and tension, weaving a story that promises both growth and emotional depth for the protagonist as she faces the complexities of family life and self-discovery.