Charlie continues intimate caregiving, from sponge baths to daily chores, while Bowditch probes Charlie’s motives and says, “Time is the water; life is the bridge.” Physical therapy is grueling but effective; by summer Bowditch reaches significant knee flexion. House repairs accelerate, the external fixator comes off, and Sundays bring gin rummy with Charlie’s dad. Radar, however, grows frailer, and Bowditch shows troubling urinary symptoms he ignores.

Charlie raises the risk around gold. Bowditch dismisses fears about Heinrich, but acknowledges gold’s unique fascination and danger. He reveals he’d surrender the stash to intruders and refuses to divulge its source. The subject is closed.

Radar finally can’t climb the porch steps. After initial resistance, Bowditch agrees to consider help. Charlie decides to quit football to be present for Radar, sparking a fierce argument that ends with Bowditch asking for a house call.

A veterinarian’s assistant provides experimental pain meds, warning they’ll shorten Radar’s life but improve its quality. Bowditch chooses quality over time; Radar rallies—eats better, sometimes plays, and manages the steps with help. Bowditch keeps improving, trades the crutch for a cane, and resumes his basement jigsaw. Charlie, shunned by teammates, often contemplates the gold’s pull. Bowditch refuses an oncologist visit despite Melissa’s urging.

In late September, Charlie reads that jeweler Wilhelm Heinrich has been murdered. Bowditch reacts coolly, focusing on future gold exchanges. Days later, police arrest homeless Benjamin Dwyer after he tries to pawn high-end jewelry. Bowditch calls it a simple case; Charlie remains uneasy, finding online skepticism about Dwyer and suspecting a setup. He plans to show Bowditch—but never gets the chance.