Songlight By Moira Buffini

In this poignant and tension-filled narrative, a frail seventeen-year-old girl embarks on what appears to be an ordinary shopping trip, but is in fact a desperate escape from the oppressive life she has known. Her heart races as she leaves behind her drab existence and her controlling stepmother, heading toward an uncertain but hopeful future. She possesses a hidden power called "songlight," a rare gift that marks her as a "Torch," something more than human.

As she ventures into the city, her thoughts are with Cassandra, the nurse who once saved her life and recognized her unique abilities. Cassandra, her guide and protector, communicates with her telepathically, encouraging her to remain strong and focused on their plan for freedom. Despite her physical weakness from a lingering illness, the girl is determined to prove herself worthy of Cassandra’s faith and care.

The looming tram station symbolizes both the girl’s fears and her hopes for liberation. As she spots Cassandra in the crowd, her spirits lift—until she notices a sinister figure in the atmosphere beside her friend. The man, a fellow Torch who has been captured and likely coerced into betraying his kind, poses an immediate threat to their escape. The girl’s resolve is tested as she confronts the dangerous reality of her situation. Her journey, fraught with danger and the possibility of betrayal, is not just about finding freedom, but also about discovering her own strength and identity.