Theo slips back into Golden quietly near the end of January, having told no one exactly when he would return. In his absence, people along the Promenade have been wondering when they will hear from him again.

When Theo walks down Broadway, the quiet return quickly becomes a homecoming as townspeople stop him for enthusiastic hugs and greetings. The warmth of Golden feels like a relief after New York City’s snow and cold.

Theo notices early signs of spring in the Boughery—daffodils and crocuses already showing after a stretch of warm winter days. The narrator notes that a hard freeze will likely come and punish the premature blooms, but Theo does not complain; the day is defined by welcome.

Soon Theo reconnects with most of his inner circle. Shep and Addie report brisk business at the Chalice, and Theo learns that Asher has added six new portraits to the gallery while Theo was away—six more “bestowals” that expand the gallery’s living story.