She is admitted, and soon meets Sara, a wealthy young student who is reeling from the unexpected departure of her friend, fellow dancer Patricia Hingle. Patricia left the academy the day before Susie’s arrival, whereupon she met with her psychiatrist, Dr. Jozef Klemperer, claiming that the Markos Academy is controlled by a coven of witches. She left Klemperer a backpack full of journals and research detailing "The Three Mothers": Mater Suspiriorum (Mother of Sighs), Mater Tenebrarum (Mother of Darkness), and Mater Lachrymarum (Mother of Tears).