These stories paint a portrait of a magical realist world that is both chaotic and corrupt. In "e;Blister"e; a young widow remains faithful to her wedding vows even after her husband's deception is revealed. The husband in "e;Others"e; is haunted by a picture from the sixteenth century that has seemingly come to life and threatens to destroy his marriage. The soldier in "e;A Soldier's Lament"e; refuses to order the execution of an enemy combatant with whom he has fallen in love. The teenage girl in "e;Skipping Stones"e; is troubled by her father's second marriage, resulting in an existential crisis.