In this modern-day suburban town, one percent of all fatalities come about in the most peculiar way. Deaths—eight-foot-tall, silver-gray creatures—send a letter to whoever is chosen for a departure, telling them to wrap up their lives and do the things they always wanted to do before they have to "depart." When sixteen-year-old Gabriela receives the notice that her days are numbered, she is, of course, devastated. Will she kiss her crush Sylvester before it's too late? Friendship, first love, and fantasy artfully mesh in this magically realistic world that ultimately celebrates life.