A futuristic story about a loss of a family member due to an unauthorized power outage follows the life of protagonist Claire as she shuttles home to the half-underwater Venice, the ancient city enchanting at Christmastime amidst the fluttering of snow over houses, bridges and the relentless gentle waves. Flashing memories of childhood laced with messages sent to Archive Adjustment supervision, "Grief time requested," explores the intertwining of advanced techno-bureaucracies and family life, a theme of sf since the late 1920s.