The Key to Extraordinary

Content Warning: This section discusses parental death.

Emma Pearl Casey wakes with an ache in her chest, which she calls the “Big Empty.” It is grief for her deceased mother. Despite this, Emma reminds herself that she could have her “Destiny Dream” tonight, a vision experienced by women in her family that reveals their future. She goes downstairs and stands in the Boneyard Cafe, her family’s bakery, which sits on the edge of a cemetery. Her brother, Topher, is making their signature hot chocolate, Boneyard Brew, and peach-lavender muffins. When Emma asks about Granny Blue, their grandmother, Topher nods to the closed office door; he suspects that she stayed up all night because they are struggling to make ends meet, a constant source of worry for Blue. When Topher asks if Emma is okay, she reveals the ache for her mom. Topher moves in for a hug, but Emma evades him and steps outside for the cemetery tour she gives every day.

In the cemetery, Emma places flowers on graves. Although many believe that the place is haunted, she loves it. Then, Emma hears the chatter of people waiting for her tour, so she unlocks the gates, letting in a small crowd, including Uncle Periwinkle (or Peri) and Aunt Greta, Granny Blue’s brother and his wife.