The chapter opens with teenage Vincent Taylor sitting on the back step at sunset during Poppy Taylor’s birthday gathering. Poppy, wearing a long skirt and a scarf pinned under a paper party hat, spins in the yard with her new Super 8 camera, a gift from their father despite their mother’s objections. Their parents sit close together by the picnic table, and Danny Taylor tends the fire.

Vincent notices a newly sold neighboring house and briefly hopes for a fresh start with someone his own age who does not know his reputation. When the radio plays “You Are So Beautiful,” Vincent’s father pulls his mother up to dance, prompting Vincent to imagine holding Lydia Campbell and feeling incredulous that she chose him.

Vincent reflects on Poppy’s promise and recalls their father’s earlier toast praising Poppy’s beauty, grace, and light. He also thinks about a recent compliment from his English teacher on a short story—his first academic praise—which sparks a vision of a future where he applies himself, writes more, and perhaps becomes a paid writer.

As evening deepens and stars appear, the house lights cast warm patches across the yard while their parents laugh. Vincent wishes to freeze this moment of familial harmony, describing it as his family at its best.

Poppy invites Vincent to spin with her. Encouraged by the smiles of their parents and Danny’s teasing laugh, Vincent joins Poppy, grabbing her wrists and leaning back, trusting that his sister will hold him up. The scene ends suspended in this shared joy and trust.