Q: It seems like Logan interacted with objects. How is that possible?

A: Most of Logan’s interactions with objects existed only in Amanda’s mind. However, there were moments where it appeared that Logan was physically interacting, when in reality, it was Amanda herself. For example, when making pancakes, Amanda guided his hand to stir the batter. Similarly, at the paint studio, Amanda held his hand, and she was the only one who actually painted that day.

Q: The book includes journal-style entries before each chapter, with the prologue and epilogue following the same format. When did Amanda write these entries in the book’s timeline?

A: Amanda wrote these journal entries between Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 (with the exception of the epilogue, which was written after Chapter 11) as Amanda navigates her healing process. This period isn’t explored in depth within the main story, and the journal entries serve to fill in that gap.

During this time, Amanda is truly confronting her losses in a healthy way. She spends time with friends and professional counselors, working to untangle the web of grief in her mind and piece together her shattered reality.

There’s also an intentional hidden detail in the prologue—a subtle “spoiler” for those who know to look for it. Amanda mentions her daughter, Hope, but the wording is intentionally ambiguous, making it sound like she’s referring to the emotion of hope itself:

"Hope is there but feels so distant—like a faint light barely visible at the edge of the horizon."

This was a deliberate choice, adding an extra layer of meaning for readers to uncover. At this early stage in Amanda’s grief, she was still struggling to trust her ability to love again—haunted by the fear that any love she allowed herself to feel would only be taken away in the end.

Q: Why did Logan see Emma at daycare/preschool?

A: This moment represents Amanda’s illusion beginning to break down. Her mind was struggling to maintain a reality that didn’t exist, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in what she perceived.

Q: We never actually see Aunt Margie. Is she a real person?

A: Yes, Aunt Margie is real. However, she is never physically present in the story to create uncertainty about whether Logan was truly going somewhere when he wasn’t with Amanda. She does live nearby, and they communicate through texts and interactions, but the book only presents Amanda’s perception of these exchanges—leaving room for doubt about what was real and what was imagined.

Q: Kari planned a special yoga class with Lily. Why did it never happen?

A: This was intentionally included to build anticipation for the future, making the eventual collapse of Amanda’s illusion more impactful. The class represented a sense of normalcy and hope—something to look forward to—so when the illusion shatters, it also creates a sense of lost opportunities and emotional weight.

Q: When Amanda's sister, Sara, arrives, she reveals that Amanda left California without telling anyone—forcing her to hire a private investigator to find her. Can you explain this in more detail?

A: Overwhelmed by grief, Amanda made a rash decision to escape her pain by abruptly leaving her old life behind. In just a few days, she researched a new location, secured a home, hired movers, and fled to South Carolina. By the time she arrived, her illusion of Logan had completely overtaken her mind. When Sara attempted to call or text, Amanda ignored these messages—not consciously realizing it, but subconsciously knowing that any contact with Sara could threaten the fragile reality she had created.

Q: Why don’t we ever hear about Daniel’s parents?

A: Originally, Daniel’s parents were meant to play a significant role in the story. In fact, there was no Sara in my initial plot—I had planned for Daniel’s parents to be the ones to confront Amanda with the truth. However, I ultimately felt the reveal needed to come from someone even closer to Amanda, leading to Sara’s inclusion instead. That being said, I have ideas for incorporating Daniel’s parents in a future continuation of this story… so perhaps a sequel is on the horizon?

Q: Why did you choose Bluffton, South Carolina as the setting?

A: As I developed Amanda’s character, I considered what factors would influence her choice in relocating. I envisioned her searching for a place that met several key criteria:

• Close to the beach (within 30 minutes)

• Large parks with walking and running trails

• A community that feels safe

• A reputation for friendly people

• A small-town atmosphere

• A warm climate, allowing for beach visits in spring and fall

To narrow down the perfect location, I used an AI chat to generate suggestions based on these requirements. After exploring several possibilities, I landed on Encinitas, California as Amanda’s starting point and Bluffton, South Carolina as her destination. The fact that these cities are on opposite sides of the country reinforces Amanda’s deep desire to escape her past and start fresh—making her decision feel more extreme and emotionally driven. If you are interested, you can find the full AI chat here. I also eventually found real homes in the area for both Amanda and Kari. You can get more information about them on the Bluffton Landmarks page.

Q: Does Amanda’s name have any special significance?

A: Yes! The name Amanda comes from Latin and means "worthy of love" or "lovable." It derives from the word amare, meaning "to love." This fits Amanda’s journey, as she struggles with grief and isolation but ultimately seeks connection, healing, and self-acceptance.

Her last name, Halewood, also carries meaning.

• "Hale" means strong and healthy.

• "Wood" often symbolizes resilience, stability, and deep roots.

Together, Amanda Halewood represents inner strength and endurance, reflecting her ability to survive hardship, rebuild her life, and find stability even after immense loss—much like a strong tree standing firm through life’s storms.