Nora recognizes that the escape she sought and the life she returned to are the same place; the prison had been perspective. In the same modest flat and uncertain circumstances, she feels everything has changed because she now lives for her own purpose and has chosen life.

Survival gives Nora gratitude and hope beyond her former steady depression. Most crucially, she understands that her Book of Regrets is gone, “burnt to dust,” freeing her to experience possibility rather than shame.

Doreen calls about Leo’s lessons. Nora apologizes and promises reliability, stressing Leo’s talent and need to keep learning, even if not with her. Doreen calmly suggests they resume next week, revealing Leo wants to continue, which restores Nora’s role as his teacher.

After the call, Nora plays a new tune and considers songwriting and maybe a Master’s. Seeing a magazine photo of Krakatoa, she embraces volcanoes as symbols of destruction turned fertile soil. She resolves not to run from herself but to tend her inner wasteland and plant a forest within.