Ten summers ago, Poppy reflects on how quickly her friendship with Alex has grown since their shared ride back to Ohio. After the trip, they move from occasional texts to regular calls, hangouts, and study sessions. During their first year at the University of Chicago, they sign up for classes together, struggle through math and science homework, and spend their free time walking campus and exploring the city for food and coffee.

Although Poppy finds most of school boring, Alex's company makes college feel exciting and alive. One snowy night while they study for finals, they joke about where they would rather be. Poppy lists glamorous international destinations, while Alex keeps naming practical or quiet alternatives, including Canada. When Alex mentions a hot spring near Vancouver Island, Poppy impulsively promises that they will go there together the following summer.

Months later, after both of them work extra campus jobs to save money, they finally board a very cheap overnight flight with multiple layovers. Poppy is thrilled, but once the plane takes off, she dozes off on Alex's shoulder. Turbulence jolts them awake, and Alex accidentally elbows Poppy in the face. In the aftermath, Poppy realizes that Alex is not merely uncomfortable on the plane but genuinely terrified.

Alex admits that he has never flown before and did not want to make his fear into an issue. Poppy reassures him that the flight is safe and takes his hand to calm him down, promising that she will stay alert and warn him if there is ever a real reason to panic. As Alex gradually relaxes, Poppy becomes aware of a faint undercurrent of attraction between them, even while insisting to herself that they are only friends and fundamentally incompatible. The chapter ends with Alex resting on Poppy's shoulder as they continue toward the first trip that will begin their long vacation tradition.