1. Athena – Aislyn’s sister - greek/roman goddess of wisdom. Patroness of craftsmen and representing the more positive outlook on war.

2. Green – the paint on Aislyn’s tattoo - the color of spring, life and hope.

3. Katherine and Max – Aislyn’s best friend and her boyfriend – Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a princess of Egypt, very beautiful, intelligent and devoutly Christian. A Roman emperor (either Maximian, Maximinus II, or Maxentius) made an offer of marriage to her several times. Upset by her rejections, after many tests of her faith, she was doomed to be executed. She was supposed to be put to death on a wheel of torture, but as soon as she touched it, it was destroyed. She was beheaded, and milk flowed from her veins instead of blood. It is said that she was betrothed to Christ in a dream, and the imprint of a wedding band was seen on her hand after her death.

4. Iain Pears – the man Aislyn shares her birthday with – author/art historian whose novels include many brushes with art history.

5. All dialogue from “Part 2: The Meeting” is from The Spill Canvas’s “Self-Conclusion”. The song was the inspiration for the story. The Spill Canvas's Myspace. "Self-Conclusion" lyrics.

6. Hope – Declan’s Grandmother’s name – hope was Declan’s grandmother’s greatest gift to him. There is also a Saint Hope.

7. Dunstan – Declan’s Grandfather’s name – Saint Dunstan is the patron saint of musicians.

8. Social Anxiety Disorder – one of the mental health problems Declan was diagnosed with – suffering great fear and anxiety from many common social situations. Explains Declan’s difficulty making friends and initiating social situations. About Social Anxiety Disorder.

9. “Flying feels like falling…” – Declan’s inspiration for his second suicide attempt – from “When Flying Feels Like Falling” by From First To Last. Lyrics.



Aislyn – pronounced ASH-ling. Irish origins. Means dream or vision. Aislyn is represented by pictures of the actress Shannyn Sossamon

Declan – pronounced DECK-lan. Saint Declan was an Irish bishop preceding Saint Patrick. Declan being named after a saint (along with both of his grandparents) symbolizes how important religion is to his story. Declan’s parents’ names are never stated due to their lack of impact on his life. Declan is symbolized by pictures of Conor Oberst, the singer/songwriter/guitarist of Bright Eyes