1. When the story begins, Abby is sitting behind her desk, in her shabby office. She can smell the sea, even though all the windows are closed. The wind is particularly strong today, and she's hoping that it's not a nor'easter blowing in.

So I guess this story starts near winter, perhaps somewhere in October since we just got our first nor'easter this year. News to me!

2. Carrie's kicking leaves around in the park, waiting for Ray to show up. It's chilly, and she wishes that she'd brought a heavier jacket. She's also wishing those people would stay further back from the fence that lines the chasm, because if they fall over, she's sure as hell not rescuing them. (That's a lie.)