How the World Works

Hayden is in medical school. He loves his medical studies, but his life is lonely, and he hides a secret which gives him an edge over his fellow students. He has an extraordinary sense of empathy and an inexplicable healing power; neither of which he knows how to control.
Kara is a barmaid. She used to be rich, but her family lost everything on a bad business venture, and now Kara has to struggle for everything she used to take for granted.
Kara is sick and needs help, and Hayden knows how to help her. As he does so, he gains her trust and they become close friends. Kara teaches Hayden about love, life, celebration, and social interaction. In return, Hayden teaches Kara about history, politics, and economics.
As their world gets turned upside down, their dependence on each other helps them escape their everyday lives. Then, as their circumstances collide, they find that nothing will ever be the same again.