This novella came to be from a joke that I quickly realized could be a way into talking about the overall malaise that I was mired in at the time, and it was the writing of it that reminded me to find the glimmer of hope in all the little things again. So, to June and Andrea, thanks for that first exchange that sparked life to this in the first place. You both inspire me to find the levity in unexpected places. And June—thank you for being this novella’s biggest fan since day one.
As always, I would not be where I am without my agent Penelope Burns. You once told me your strategy is to be doggedly stubborn, and it’s exactly your grit and persistence that has gotten me this far. To my editor, David Moore, for championing this strange story—the very first email I got from you gave me hope in a time I needed it a lot. Thank you for bringing this novella to the world after all this time.
To the Rebellion team, thank you for all your continued efforts! Chiara Mestieri, Amy Borsuk, Catherine Lenderi, Bridette Ledgerwood, Gemma Sheldrake, Dagna Dlubak, Jess Gofton. Thank you to Sam Gretton for the absolutely stunning cover, and especially thank you to Xueting Christine Ni for the translation support and helping capture Wang Ran’s cheek.
To all my friends who have cheered this on: Gina, Allison, Andrea, Hannah, thanks for getting that this comes from my inner weeb; Zeba and Haley, for always being there to listen; Aayushi for reading a whole 40k novella shortly after we actually became friends; Grace, for being the person who understands that even though this isn’t a story about medicine, it’s a story about medicine.
For my family, who have always been there for me, who make every mundane moment special. For 妈妈, who taught me how to make dumplings that don’t fall apart; I could never be as good as you, but I try.