world of make-believe. The opening of the book presents a richly detailed glimpse into the mind of the narrator, who expresses both affection and ambivalence towards David and his mother, Mary. We witness playful conversations between David and the narrator, filled with banter about age, beauty, and maternal instincts. The narrator reflects on David’s admiration for Mary, the nursery governess, and his whimsical belief that children transform into birds before they’re caught by the adult world. As the scene unfolds, we encounter the contrast between the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adult emotions, setting the stage for a narrative that combines humor with reflections on life and love in a vibrant Los Angeles. (This is an automatically generated summary.)