First published 2006
Tessa moves to a small Virginia town seeking refuge from her troubled past. She rents a cottage on the outskirts, where local folklore speaks of fireflies that appear as protective spirits. As Tessa struggles with isolation and memories that won't fade, she begins experiencing strange visions during twilight hours. The townspeople whisper about the firefly cloak, a legend tied to women who've faced great loss. Tessa finds herself drawn to an elderly neighbor who claims to understand the supernatural occurrences. Their friendship deepens as Tessa learns about the town's history of women who've found healing through mysterious connections to nature. When Tessa's past threatens to pull her back into darkness, she must decide whether to trust in the protective power the locals describe. The story explores how grief transforms into acceptance through unexpected spiritual encounters.
Genres: fantasy, contemporary, magical-realism, paranormal
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, spiritual-journey
Setting: Virginia
Audio CD · HighBridge Audio
Content warnings: mental-illness