In summer 1982, Joan and Vanessa relied on late-night phone calls when work kept them apart, especially as Vanessa spent extended periods at Cape Canaveral serving as a Cape Crusader with the Astronaut Support Personnel, prepping shuttles and supporting crews. While both were briefly in Houston, Joan set the table at Vanessa's house as Vanessa brought in dinner and asked to reschedule plans so she could take a T-38 flight Hank Redmond offered, with the promise of extended stick time. The request conflicted with a planned final date before Vanessa returned to the Cape.

Joan admitted she had been looking forward to their afternoon together but recognized how important flight time was for Vanessa. After brief hesitation, Joan encouraged Vanessa to take the flight and suggested she would ask Duke for her own backseat time later. Vanessa confirmed she wanted to fly more than go out, and Joan gave her full support, framing it as necessary to Vanessa's goals.

The narrative broadened to reflect on their relationship's evolution over the past two years, noting how Joan discovered a deeper sense of self in loving Vanessa, marked by both tenderness and pain. The secrecy of their relationship made public affection impossible, which hurt Joan, and their conflicts could be intense. Specific past fights included disagreements before Donna and Hank's wedding about travel plans, Joan's hurt when Vanessa introduced a former date without warning, Vanessa's silent treatment when Joan canceled too often, and clashes over Joan defending Barbara's behavior.

Both women had said wounding things: Joan admitted to weaponizing untruths in anger, and Vanessa delivered criticisms Joan knew she would never fully forget. Despite the damage, they remained bound more tightly, with Joan reasoning that profound acceptance could make other pains feel small. Joan believed Vanessa's love was steadfast, even risky to Vanessa's future, and vowed to love Vanessa without asking her to give up her ambitions.

After the T-38 flight, Vanessa arrived late to Joan's apartment, slipped into bed, and the two settled in together. As they drifted to sleep, Vanessa revealed she had not dreamt of her own funeral in months. When Joan wondered why, Vanessa attributed the change to Joan, burying her head in Joan's neck as she said, "You."