Deep and Dark and Dangerous

The following morning is a cold, dark, and cloudy one—unsuitable for swimming—so Ali and Emma take a walk on the shore in sweaters and jeans. Distracted by thoughts of possible art projects, Ali misses when Emma meets a new stranger. This young nine- or 10-year-old girl named Sissy has a heavy tan and pale blonde hair and is wearing a swimsuit despite the weather. Emma claims Sissy wants to be friends, but Sissy is rude towards Ali and is repeatedly sassy in a way that Ali finds irritating. When Emma tells Sissy that Claire does not like the lake, Sissy mocks her for being afraid of the water. She also says she lives nearby but only gestures generally when asked for specific details. Emma invites Sissy to the beach by their cottage, but Sissy refuses and leaves. Emma worries whether Sissy likes her, but Ali is wary of her. Back at the cottage, the girls tell Dulcie about their walk and Emma’s new friend. Dulcie is puzzled because she does not recall anyone living nearby but guesses Sissy could be from Webster’s Cove.

After several days without seeing Sissy again, Emma convinces Ali to take the 45-minute walk to Webster’s Cove with the hope of finding and asking Sissy to join them for lunch.