On September 4, 2014, Henry and Addie spend the morning in bed, curled together as Henry repeats Addie’s name, trying to hold on to it. Henry tells himself he is happy and ready, but he also believes that staying still can keep time from moving. Addie senses Henry’s fear and keeps him there, telling him quiet, unrecorded stories of places she has seen across centuries.

Henry cannot bring himself to reach for a notebook, even though there are six now and the last is only half-filled. The thought of the remaining blank pages triggers panic, and Henry refuses to move because he thinks movement will break the fragile spell holding the day in place. Addie continues talking while Henry listens, using her stories to keep Henry anchored as his anxiety keeps rising.

In the afternoon, Henry’s sudden hunger forces them out of bed and makes time feel unstoppable. Addie draws Henry into the kitchen, makes an omelet, and tells Henry about first-time experiences Henry will never have. Henry recognizes that her last gift is giving him these moments, and his last gift is simply listening.

Restless and afraid of the remaining hours, Henry and Addie get dressed and walk outside, circling the block as his panic presses in. Addie tells Henry that surviving three hundred years happens the same way as surviving one: “A second at a time.” They go to the Merchant, order food they do not eat and beers they do not drink because Henry refuses to dull his final hours.

As rain begins, Henry lets his fear arrive fully, remembering the downpour after the Fourth Rail and then, more darkly, the rooftop from a year before. He thinks how close he still is to that edge, and how desperately he wants more time. In the thinning light, Addie asks Henry to stay with her, and Henry answers that he is there, sealing their unspoken agreement that Addie will remain with him until the very end so Henry will not be alone.