The Father (Elara). Elara’s father, living in Andalucía. He hosts the group’s ill-fated expedition to the stone pyramid and remains a lingering figure in Elara’s memories.

The Distant Relative. Elara’s distant cousin, whom she reconnects with in Tuscany after retirement. Florian provides quiet companionship and a grounding presence, offering Elara space to reflect and rebuild her life.

The Mother. Matteo’s Italian-born mother, who moved to France in her twenties. She raised Matteo as a single mother and now resides in a care facility in Avignon, battling dementia. Her brief moments of lucidity reveal fragments of the past and the hopes she once held for Matteo’s future.

The Free Spirit. Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, a lively and curious woman who shared his passion for exploring cities across Europe. She loved Liz Tatter’s novels and had a penchant for fleeting beauty and vibrant motion. Their breakup, though amicable, marked a turning point for Matteo as he prioritized caring for his mother.

The Daughter. Amei’s daughter, who exudes youthful curiosity and independence. Teaching in Goa during 2024, she bridges a generational gap and hints at her mother’s deeper connections to the group’s shared past. She carries a fascination for Darius’s cryptic postcards, which serve as subtle “maps of people.”

The Manipulator. A smooth-talking but controlling figure, Renard represents power and corruption, exploiting the vulnerabilities of those he draws in. He holds sway over Lucien, pressuring him into art commissions that keep him trapped. His shadow looms over Lucien’s past and present decisions.

The Enigmatic Muse. Éloïse, a mysterious and charismatic woman who, alongside Monsieur Renard, draws Lucien and Darius into a manipulative web of occult-like séances and promises of creative recognition. Her allure is intoxicating but dangerous, and her involvement fractures the group’s trust.

The Drifter with Purpose. A quiet and observant figure, Matteo grew up in Avignon and spent much of his life moving from job to job—vineyard work, serving, and moving companies. He carries the weight of caring for his mother, Drusilla, whose deteriorating health prompted him to return home. Matteo’s life intersects with the others through […]

The Rebel Scientist. A physicist turned retiree who finds meaning in blackboards, chalk, and the structures of chaos. Once living in Warwick, she moved to Tuscany to enjoy her retirement, reconnecting with her distant relative Florian. Elara’s sharp mind and unconventional outlook have made her both an anchor and a catalyst in the group. She […]

The Fabric Artist and Quiet Glue. A textile artist and creative soul, Amei has a practical yet deeply connected nature. She once served as the emotional glue of the group, living in London where she raises her daughter, Tabitha. Amei is reflective about her estranged friendships and past discoveries, especially involving the pyramid in Andalucía. […]