The novel explores parental bonds in several different circumstances. The first is the relationship Winkler shares with his mother. An immigrant from Finland who had to survive entirely on her own after arriving in Alaska, Winkler’s mother is soft and gentle. She teaches him to love snow, fostering his fascination with snow crystals, and offers caring support when she discovers his ability to dream events that come true. Winkler’s mother sets a standard by which he compares many of the relationships in his life, including his relationship with Sandy. The bond between Winkler and his mother is clearly strong and benevolent.

Another parental bond that the novel explores is that between Naaliyah and her parents. This bond is close when Naaliyah is young but is tested when she becomes a teenager and is influenced by a political climate that leads her to judge her parents for leaving Chile when they did. This strains her relationship with them, but the bond isn’t broken. After Naaliyah’s near drowning, she and her parents rebuild their relationship and remain close up to and after Felix’s death.

Herman’s parental bond with Grace is strong, although he never suggests that he’s her father or takes on the role of stepfather.