When the World Tips Over

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of mental illness and substance use.

This is the story Cassidy told to Felix on the drive to Paradise Springs the week before. Alonso de Falla was born in a land across the sea, and was so beautiful he lit up the world around him. Diego de Falla is the only one not illuminated by Alonso, and that is because he suspects Alonso is the son of the poet his wife, Sofia, tried to run away with. Diego’s jealousy poisons him. Diego brings home Hector, his son by another woman, Luciana Magdalena. Alonso is tormented by his father’s coldness and Hector’s jealousy. Hector vows to kill Alonso, which manifests a curse in the Fall family that persists to this day.

Miles meets Felix Rivera as he is leaving the hospital. Felix says Miles glows.

Miles and Sandro the dog telepathically discuss their desire to see Cassidy again. Miles feels unable to look at Wynton or hug his mother and, since his dean contacted his mother, he feels that he is no longer Perfect Miles. Outside the hospital, Miles encounters Madison, who was there the night Miles woke up in a dumpster.