Back in his bedroom, Patch feels that nothing is truly his anymore, including his own body. His wounds itch, and he resists healing because he fears losing the scars. When Patch's mother accidentally sees him after his shower, Patch recognizes her fear, sadness, and repulsion, and he understands that other people will also see him as changed.

Later, after his mother falls asleep, Patch opens the map he found in the attic and studies the whole country. Looking at the colored states, Patch speaks to Grace as if she might be anywhere on it. The map gives shape to his need to find her, even though he has no real lead.

Patch slips past a news van and walks through town at night, feeling separated from everyone around him. He watches ordinary life continue at the movie theater and the diner until he spots Misty Meyer with a group from school. When Misty sees Patch, she lets go of Chuck's hand, runs into the street, and throws herself into Patch's arms, crying into his shoulder while Patch holds her. Their moment ends when Chuck pulls Misty away and leads her toward the theater as she keeps looking back at Patch.

Patch walks home hidden in the shadows, not noticing that Saint sees him outside Green's Convenience Store and quietly follows from a distance to make sure he is safe. At home, Patch ignores the headlines on a stack of newspapers and covers his windows with them until no sign of Monta Clare can enter his room. He blocks the gaps with bedding, puts the mattress on the floor, and waits until the room is completely dark. Patch cannot admit it to anyone, but he wants to be back in that darkness, and he lies down reaching out his hand for Grace.