In the beginning of the book, the protagonist Wilmarth wakes up from a terrifying dream, drenched in sweat. He is haunted by the words "we're close" and tries to remember the dream but only vague images come to mind. Wilmarth has been struggling with persecution mania and paranoia, feeling constantly watched in his flat in Arkham. He finds solace in walking in the nearby woods and feels a sense of freedom and strength there. One hot July day, he decides to take a break from the heat and sits under the trees, but suddenly realizes that there is no sound of birds chirping.
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