Hospitalized in England after a car accident, medievalist Patrick Mercer reconstructs his life through memory, dreams, and the inspiration of his treasured illuminated manuscripts. Half a world away, Colette is adjusting to new classes, a new apartment, a new job-and the mysterious "Patrick" letters that keep arriving. Meanwhile, Ruth and Malcolm-whose young son is Colette's charge-are desperately seeking to pick up the pieces of their lives after the terrifying disappearance of their teenage daughter.