As Charlotte turns thirteen, she jokes that Patch should let her see the place where his missing eye should be. The chapter then looks back over the months of preparation, showing how Charlotte treated becoming a teenager as a major transformation. She insists on grown-up markers of adolescence, including a new bra, a key to the Mad House, new dresses, and an extravagant party, while Patch awkwardly but dutifully tries to keep up with her requests.

Charlotte’s humor keeps unsettling Patch. When Charlotte talks about needing a tray of prophylactics in case the party gets rowdy, Patch misunderstands her and then realizes how quickly she is growing up. On her birthday, Patch keeps Charlotte home from school and makes a deal with Miss Lyle: Charlotte can miss class, and Patch will come teach art in return.

That evening, Patch gives Charlotte her presents. Charlotte opens a necklace with a blue stone that reminds her of her mother, Misty, then undercuts the sentiment with a joke about pawning it. Patch also gives Charlotte an old sketch he drew of Misty while Misty slept, and he tells Charlotte that he made it on the day Charlotte was conceived. The drawing carries deep emotional weight for Patch because Misty had saved it as proof that something precious had once existed between them.

Saint arrives during the celebration with a beekeeping setup as Charlotte’s gift, bringing a practical but thoughtful surprise. Once Charlotte is distracted, Patch asks Saint whether she has found anything. Saint says she has not, despite telling Patch that Eli Aaron has been identified and despite spending a week reviewing security footage near the church where Eli Aaron picked up rosary beads. When Patch asks whether there is still a chance after all these years, Saint says yes, and adds that finding Eli Aaron could finally lead them to Grace.