In the present, Poppy takes a spin class with her friend Rachel. When Rachel presses Poppy to say what actually makes her happy, Poppy first jokes, then finally admits that Alex and their summer trips are what she misses most. That admission leads Poppy to remember one of their best vacations, when they hiked through the rainy redwoods, shared wine, and rested together inside a hollow tree. The memory confirms that those trips still represent the happiest part of Poppy's life.

Rachel argues that Poppy should call Alex and confront whatever ended their friendship, but Poppy says she already reached out and assumes Alex does not want to reconnect or take a spontaneous trip. Rachel declines Poppy's invitation to travel together because Rachel dislikes leaving New York. Even so, the conversation leaves Poppy focused on the gap Alex left in her life and on the possibility of trying again.

Later, on Sunday night, Poppy sits in bed researching possible destinations for a trip. While she works on a short list that includes Newfoundland, Austria, and Costa Rica, Alex unexpectedly texts her a photo of Poppy's embarrassing senior yearbook portrait. Alex explains that he found it in the East Linfield library while setting up his classroom, which immediately makes Poppy feel the old excitement and intimacy of their friendship.

Their exchange becomes playful and nostalgic as they joke about baby pictures, dive bars, and an old teacher. Seeing Alex's selfies and learning that he thought of her while preparing his classroom makes Poppy feel how much she still misses him. When Poppy cautiously suggests they should hang out the next time she is home, Alex responds without rejecting the idea, and that small opening gives Poppy hope.

Encouraged by the renewed ease between them, Poppy realizes that avoiding the real question has not restored their friendship. Because she still wants Alex, their bond, and the summer trips back, Poppy decides to risk a direct invitation. Shaking with nerves, she texts Alex to ask whether he is free before school starts because she is thinking about taking a trip.