The narrator questions the events of their childhood and their mother's actions. Accompanied since birth by three silent figures, the speaker feels heavy and isolated during school dances and music lessons. They eventually pull away from their mother's idyllic influence to accept the constant companionship of their dark guardians.

She acts as a protective force during the speaker's childhood, crafting elaborate stories with happy endings to ward off fear. She feeds her children treats to distract them from a hurricane and encourages the speaker in the arts. She later floats out of reach in an impossible world characterized by a green balloon.

Three silent women with stitched, bald heads, lacking mouths or eyes. They keep constant vigil over the speaker. Their shadows lengthen in response to the speaker's negative emotions and the mother's tears. They remain immune to the mother's magical stories and charms.

The speaker's sibling who shares in their early childhood memories. Together with his family, he weathers a severe storm by eating treats and singing chants against the thunder.

A background figure in the speaker's domestic memories. His study serves as the setting for the terrifying moment when the hurricane shatters the glass, teaching the children that their mother's protection has limits.

A heroic teddy bear who features prominently in the mother's narratives. Through her words, he vanquishes wicked witches and provides the children with comforting resolutions before sleep.

Other young girls at the speaker's school who participate in a dance recital. They move in harmony and blink flashlights, contrasting directly with the speaker's dark isolation.

Instructors hired by the mother to teach the speaker music. They find the speaker lacking in ability despite the effort applied.