A linguist, a lake monster, and the looming shadow of death-news of an unknown creature in the New Bedford Lake coincides with news that Natalia's cancer has returned. On the shores of the lake in a strange house with many secret doors, Robert and his family must face the fact that Natalia is dying, and there is no hope this time. But they continue on; their son plays by the lakeside, Natalia paints, Robert writes, and all the while the air is thick with dust from a worldwide drought that threatens to come down and coat their little corner of green. A lament for what is already lost and what is yet to be lost, Descriptions of Heaven leaves only one question to be asked: What's next?