Helen and his wife have decided to leave the Copper House, where they have lived for eleven years. Helen tells the story of how he was a child when he was led to the cave by the voice of a woman who hovered over him screaming his name. He was afraid of venturing outside the house the rest of his life, and that's why he's leaving. He's not sure why they're leaving, but he promises to explain everything once they get to his aunt's house