Peggy Andrews receives an unsettling phone call from a woman named Hazel claiming to have invented the land of Whisperwood from Peggy's story.
Hazel's call leaves Peggy incredulous and anxious; she scribbles down Hazel's number but then throws it away, trying to dismiss her concerns.
Peggy reflects on how the success of Whisperwood has positively affected her mother, Linda, after years of grief over lost loved ones.
Even with the strange phone call, Peggy decides to focus on her writing and plans for the future of the Whisperwood series.
Peggy takes her daily walk on the beach after meeting her writing quota, contemplating the success of her book and future story developments.
During her walk, she encounters Wren Parker, the boy-next-door, who has grown up alongside Peggy and knows her well.
Wren is back home job-hunting and they engage in conversation about their lives, including the surprising popularity of Peggy's book.
Wren reveals he's considering a job in California, indicating a desire to spread his wings, and asks about Peggy's potential dating life.
Peggy has not told her mother about Hazel's phone call, knowing it would upset her. Instead, she tries to keep the focus on her writing and personal life.
Wren and Peggy discuss their personal lives and hint at the underlying tension of their longstanding, platonic relationship.
Wren encourages Peggy not to dismiss Hazel's phone call and to explore the possibilities, while Peggy remains unsure and a little afraid of what Hazel may want.