Corona is a human child orphaned when her parents' spaceship catastrophically collided with an alien acting troupe's vessel above Anika. Shielded by her parents during impact, she emerges as the crash's sole survivor. The troupe discovers her and assumes guardianship after local authorities refuse responsibility, anticipating her biological family's imminent retrieval.

Leveraging data from her parents' ship computer, the troupe meticulously reconstructs a human upbringing for Corona. They integrate Earth customs—household objects, seasonal traditions, and educational practices—into her routine. Naming her Corona, they assign familial roles within their group, designating specific members as parental figures. When no biological relatives appear over five years, the troupe permanently settles on Anika, assimilating into its society.

By age five, Corona exhibits natural childhood curiosity and naivety. She forges profound bonds with her alien caretakers, considering them her true family. Her daily life involves attending a troupe-founded kindergarten alongside native Anikan children. A pivotal moment arises when an alien named Pona asserts her orphan status and attempts to claim her. Corona defiantly rejects Pona, declaring her heartfelt attachment to her adoptive family. This confrontation cements her loyalty to the troupe while underscoring lingering uncertainty about potential biological family claims.

Her growth navigates the duality of preserving human traits through the troupe's cultural recreations while adapting to non-human guardians. The narrative emphasizes her seamless integration into alien society and the authentic familial love bridging their biological divide.