The Lost Story: A Novel

After riding all night, Rafe and Jeremy arrive at Granny Apple’s orchard, as suggested by the Valkyries. The orchard is next to the Angel Windows, one of the two entrances to Ghost Town. Granny gives the men a basket of Golden Sun apples. She asks them to repeat each of her instructions, such as that Jeremy and Rafe must take the apples, which contain sunlight and courage, to Ghost Town. They must also take care not to be separated. In Ghost Town, they must not believe even their own eyes, as anything can be deceptive. All they can trust is their own heart. Rafe and Jeremy eat an apple each for fortitude and set out.

It becomes clear why this particular entrance to Ghost Town is called the Angel Windows. The door is a huge rock formation with three holes or windows in it; it is so scary that even angels are scared to go inside. Rafe can’t see what they’ll be stepping into, as there are just fields on the other side of the rock. Jeremy explains that Ghost Town itself is a ghost, as it is hidden—it will reveal itself only when they enter it. Jeremy kisses Rafe for courage, and Rafe enters one of the windows.