In the middle of the night, Daphne reads her father's note, which casually mentions returning in October. The word triggers a longing ache, and she breaks down crying and finally calls her mother to share everything.

On Saturday morning, the Read-a-thon setup begins. Daphne meets Harvey at the library and reflects on her childhood love of libraries as a stable home. Volunteer teams arrive throughout the day to construct themed areas: Fantasy with a papier-mâché dragon, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Horror, and Picture Book. At 3:32, Ashleigh delivers the day's first crisis: Landon and three other volunteers have caught a stomach bug. Ashleigh insists Daphne focus elsewhere while she handles the staffing problem, reminding her that being present matters more than being perfect.

Twenty minutes before the event, Daphne returns three missed calls from her dad. He reveals that two weeks ago, Miles drove two hours to Mackinac Island to confront him, demanding he come back for Daphne. Miles missed the last ferry and stayed with her dad's wealthy new friend Christopher. Her dad complains that Miles upset Starfire and caused problems.

Daphne realizes the box of fudge was a consolation prize from Miles, who tried to bring her father back and never told her because he didn't want to hurt her. Recognizing that Miles truly knows and loves her, she feels brave enough to do something she never has.

She calls her dad back and tells him plainly that he was a shitty father, never present, never reliable, that her mom's excuses were to protect her, and that Daphne now must protect herself. She demands he ask before visiting and tell her directly if he plans to leave. She hangs up as Ashleigh calls her in, ready to begin the Read-a-thon.