The chapter is set in March 1960 and takes place in an artist studio full of light, with a relaxed and creative ambiance.
Hazel and Kelty arrive unexpectedly at the studio, where Harry and three other artists are working, and Harry is painting while listening to "Dream Lover" by Bobby Darin.
After initially dropping his brush in surprise, Harry warmly greets Hazel and Kelty, embracing them and expressing happiness to see them.
Hazel is internally struck by how much Harry has grown and matured into an attractive man.
Harry introduces his studio mates Ethan, Marvin, and Dawn to Hazel and Kelty, rekindling past connections.
The group goes to the nearby Sloop Inn pub to catch up. Tension arises as Hazel is there to ask Harry, her estranged childhood friend, a vital question, not merely to socialize.
In the pub, conversation leads to the revelation that Harry and Ethan are both single, unattached to family commitments, and fully immersed in their artistic pursuits.
Hazel learns that Ethan's twin brother, Adam, moved to America ten years prior and is now a successful garment businessman in New York.
Hazel is eager to ask Harry a pressing question but decides she needs privacy, requesting a moment alone with him by the water.
On the beach, Harry and Hazel confront their shared past and Harry’s perceived role in a tragic event involving Hazel's sister, Flora.
Harry assumes Hazel blames him for Flora’s presumed death, an assumption that stuns Hazel as she never held him responsible.
Hazel reveals her reason for visiting: to inquire if Harry ever knew or revealed the name of a fictional place she created and shared with Flora, called Whisperwood.
Harry denies ever knowing the story or telling anyone else about it, which leads Hazel to believe Flora might have survived their childhood tragedy and later shared the story herself.
Hazel and Harry share a poignant moment of mutual relief and unresolved feelings, as Harry emotionally processes the implication that Flora might have lived.
The chapter concludes with both Harry and Hazel coming to terms with the notion that they have each carried unnecessary guilt over Flora’s fate for many years.