The book starts with Diana's memory of her father painting the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central Terminalis a commuter rail terminal at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The ceiling is composed of seven groin vaults, each of which has an ornamental bronze chandelier. The first two vaults, as viewed from leaving Grand Central, are painted with cumulus clouds, while the third contains a 1927 mural by Edward Trumbull depicting American transportation.
