In the bookstore on March 18, 2014, the bell rings and Beatrice strides in, immediately asking Henry if he is avoiding Robbie. Henry internally admits he is, unable to forget Robbie’s hurt expression while still resenting how Robbie behaved.

Henry introduces Addie to Beatrice. For a fleeting moment Henry thinks Beatrice recognizes Addie, but the moment passes; Beatrice only comments that there is something “timeless” about Addie’s face, echoing a familiarity she cannot place. Addie lightly acknowledges she has heard it before.

Henry notices Beatrice looks unusually marked up—neon paint on her fingers, gold at her temple, and powder on her sleeve—and asks what she has been doing. Beatrice explains she has been at the Artifact, an interactive mix of carnival and art installations along the High Line.

As Beatrice describes mirrored rooms, star-filled domes, sugar clouds, pillow-fight plumes, and murals made from strangers’ notes, Addie grows visibly excited. Addie insists they go, and Henry realizes he wants the same thing despite being the store’s only employee with hours left until closing.

Henry writes a quick note on the back of a store bookmark and slides it to Beatrice, asking her to close up. Though Beatrice protests she has a life, she reads the words—“The Library of The Last Word”—smiles, pockets the card, and sends Henry and Addie off.