SA Author. Samantha stands out. With green hair, mismatched clothes, and a quiet defiance, she draws ridicule from classmates and disapproval from teachers. Grieving her father’s recent death and caring for her depressed, pregnant mother, she finds solace only in her sketchbook. Then Harrison arrives. With one blue eye, one green, and a mischievous smile, Harrison is unlike anyone Samantha has ever met, and the two form a quick friendship on the fringe of their judgemental community. During the holidays, Harrison shares a secret. Deep in the woods of Elsewhere, a magical mist transforms them into towering forest Titans, fur-covered, antlered beings who dance beneath the moonlight. In this enchanted form, they experience true freedom and connection to the world. But freedom has its limits. Harrison has a terminal illness, yet in their Titan form, he can open a portal to a wondrous land where sickness cannot follow. He asks Samantha to come with him when the time comes. Of course, she says yes. On their final night together, Harrison opens the portal in Samantha’s backyard. She’s ready to step through – until she hears her mother cry out. The baby is coming. In that moment, Samantha chooses to stay. Life has shaped her into someone strong enough to face it. The portal closes, and Harrison is gone. Through tears, Samantha helps deliver her baby brother. Her mother’s depression lifts, and a new bond forms. When Samantha sees the newborn’s mismatched eyes and familiar smile, she knows exactly what to name him. Harry.
