It is Nicky Wilholm’s day to leave. Tim Jamieson and Wendy Gullickson stand with Luke Ellis as Nicky and Kalisha Benson walk down the driveway, taking time together before Wendy drives Nicky to the Brunswick bus station. Earlier, Tim and Nicky reviewed Nicky’s cover story on the back stoop after lunch. Nicky insisted he understood, but Tim made him rehearse the details.

Tim confirmed Nicky’s route and behavior: bus from Brunswick to Chicago, speak to no one, draw no attention, then call Uncle Fred from Navy Pier—the supposed location where kidnappers dropped him, as with George Iles and Helen Simms. Nicky affirmed he would deny knowing George and Helen, deny knowledge of the kidnappers or their motives, and add nothing to the police narrative. He would present his ignorance as genuine and avoid embellishment.

Tim pressed difficult points: Nicky would learn of his parents’ deaths as “news,” and he would allow himself to cry naturally. Tim encouraged Nicky to relax his anger and consider a chance at a better future with his aunt, uncle, and brother Bobby. Nicky struggled emotionally but accepted a hug from Tim, returning it fiercely. Tim judged Nicky capable of handling police questioning, while worrying separately that George’s talkative nature could be risky, reminding himself that ignorance meant safety.

At the driveway, Nicky and Kalisha embraced at the mailbox—the spot where Bill Smith had tried to assign guilt. Luke observed that Nicky truly loved Kalisha; Tim noted privately that Luke loved her too. Tim reflected that Luke’s feelings, at twelve, would likely pass, even if unforgettable. Wendy gently told Luke that Kalisha loved him too, though Luke admitted it was “not the same way,” then tried to be stoic.

Wendy fetched the car. Luke rode down with her and stood with Kalisha to wave as Wendy drove Nicky away. Nicky waved from the window. Nicky carried seventy dollars and a phone card in his front pocket and a key hidden in his shoe to avoid theft. As Luke and Kalisha walked back up the driveway, Kalisha broke down and cried; Tim held back, recognizing it was Luke’s place to comfort her. Luke hugged her, and because she was taller, she rested her head on his.

Tim heard the faint mental “hum” of telepathic conversation but could not make out the words. He accepted that their private exchange was not for him, marking a quiet, intimate end to Nicky’s departure scene and the group’s careful transition plan.