Content Warning: This section includes violence, murder, suicide, and likely instances of abuse.

An unnamed therapist greets a new client who is nervous and wears her hair in a ponytail. When the client admits feeling guilty about her unhappiness, the therapist quotes Henry David Thoreau: “Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder” (2).

Alice Dawson has recently moved to London. Her new home is in a development called the Circle. Alice previously lived in the rural area of Harlestone. After an 18-month long-distance romance, she is living with her partner, Leo Curtis. Alice is often alone in their new home, as Leo works away for most of the week, returning home on Thursday evenings.

Alice worries she will not make friends in the Circle. So far, she has briefly met one neighbor—Maria Conway. She has also seen an elderly couple taking the delivery of their shopping. Alice watches two female residents standing outside: One has a blond pixie cut, and the other has red