Delirium

Lena, whose full name is Magdalena, explains that she was named for the biblical Mary Magdalene. She guesses that her mother chose the name because Mary Magdalene fell in love multiple times before begging God to “cure” her from the pain. Over the next two weeks, Lena focuses on end-of-the-school-year activities like parties and graduation. She mourns for the end of her childhood but continues counting down the days until her cure. Some of the girls in her class have already been cured, and Lena notes their more reserved behavior. At graduation, Lena wrestles with conflicting emotions; she is apprehensive but excited for her future. Because Lena’s sister Rachel is already cured, she too displays reserved behavior and expresses less congratulatory affection after the ceremony, which disappoints Lena.

On the Fourth of July, Lena goes to Hana’s house, expecting them to have a traditional holiday of food and fireworks at the promenade. However, when she arrives, Hana is listening to strange music that is not approved by the government, which controls intranet use and all available books, music, and movies. Hana explains that she met someone who codes intranet restrictions and detects illegal websites; he showed her how to find them online.