The narrative follows Martin Grant, a professor whose life spirals into chaos after the mysterious disappearance of his colleague, John Henderson, during a lecture. Henderson vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a few personal items and a perplexed classroom of students. As the investigation unfolds, another colleague, Horace Smith, also disappears under similar circumstances, leading Martin to ponder the implications of a theory he had discussed with both men regarding the nature of reality and belief. Martin's theory posits that the universe operates on a logical basis that contradicts observable reality, suggesting that belief itself may be a trap. This idea becomes increasingly troubling as he realizes that both Henderson and Smith vanished shortly after engaging with his theory. The narrative explores Martin's growing anxiety as he grapples with the possibility that his intellectual pursuits may have dire consequences. As the story progresses, Martin's son, Fred, becomes involved. He is deeply affected by the disappearances of his father and others, leading him to investigate the connection between belief and the vanishing phenomenon. Fred recalls conversations with his father about the nature of belief and its potential dangers, ultimately leading him to a desperate conclusion: he must understand the mechanism behind the disappearances by experiencing it himself. Fred's journey takes him to the site of the picnic where his mother and Curt Gaard, a psychiatrist, vanished. He reflects on the nature of belief and its role in the disappearances, realizing that the key may lie in the subconscious acceptance of the theory. As he contemplates his own beliefs, he becomes determined to vanish, hoping to uncover the truth and potentially bring back those who have disappeared. The climax occurs when Fred confronts the reality of his father's book, which contains the very theory that may be causing the disappearances. He rushes to the publisher to prevent its release, fearing that many more will vanish if it is published. However, he is met with skepticism and indifference, leading to a sense of helplessness. In the end, Fred's longing to understand and connect with his vanished loved ones culminates in a moment of realization about belief and existence. He witnesses the impact of his father's work on others and grapples with his own identity in a world where reality is fluid and belief can lead to disappearance. The story concludes with Fred's acceptance of his situation, hinting at the possibility of his own vanishing as he navigates the complexities of belief, reality, and the human experience.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1992 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction