Ryan arrives at Jet and Kendi’s home in the morning and notices his old painting of himself with Lillian still displayed. Jet, exhausted from assisting a nighttime delivery, shares that the baby is a girl and that they plan to name her Apricity. Kendi congratulates Ryan as “Grandpa,” and Ryan experiences a pang of jealousy for Kendi’s fresh start as a father, while taking comfort that Jet’s life appears stable and happy.

In the kitchen, Ryan sees sonogram photos and, behind them, negatives from Lillian’s first pregnancy, noting that Jet sent the print to Davis. After Jet heads to bed, Kendi invites Ryan to fly with him, teasing that the experience will change his view of air travel. Ryan, sober that morning, agrees.

Kendi drives them to a small airport outside Dallas and rents a Cessna. During takeoff and flight, Ryan is surprised by a sense of calm and by the intimacy of low-altitude views of Dallas, the Trinity River, and the Great Trinity Forest, which spark his artistic impulse. Through headsets, they discuss light topics like weather and sports as well as heavier memories tied to Ryan’s limited flying history and his estranged relationship with his late father.

Ryan recounts how his father apologized only for “not being around more,” which he rejects as insufficient. Realizing the parallel to Jet’s feelings toward him, Ryan grows self-conscious. Kendi, whose own father is gone, admits that he idealizes his dad but recognizes that no father is perfect, especially as he prepares to become one. Ryan tells Kendi he will be a great father and apologizes for the ways he has hurt Jet.

They fly in what Kendi calls a “middle distance,” a metaphor for perspective on family and regret. Kendi lets Ryan feel the controls, deepening Ryan’s appreciation for the experience. After landing, a group of boys in party hats watch Kendi like heroes might, and Kendi engages them warmly.

Walking back to the car, Kendi playfully revisits Ryan’s earlier skepticism about flying, and Ryan admits the experience meant more than simple transportation. Ryan calls Kendi “son,” accepts the open invitation to fly again, and the two part on friendly, reconciled terms.