The chapter opens with Ted recalling conversations about art and humanity with the artist: they listened to Maria Callas, and Ted mused that art is what cannot fit inside a person. The memory segues into the present where Louisa snaps Ted back to focus in a station parking lot. Despite fear and irritation, Ted agrees to take a taxi to chase the train that left with the painting, ashes, and his suitcase.

They pile into a taxi driven by a woman who keeps a large plant, Albert, in the back for sunlight. Louisa sits in front and quickly bonds with the driver, while Ted, bruised and anxious, squeezes in beside Albert. The driver speeds along the tracks as opera blares, joking about love and calling Ted a youngster, while Louisa excitedly presses buttons and asks questions. Ted’s anxiety spirals; he silently mourns his failures and cries into Albert as Maria Callas plays.

On the way, Louisa notices family photos on the dashboard. The driver shares that she and her husband have been married forty years and advises that the secret is “holding hands” and sharing meals. She mentions seven grown children, two deceased, and that keeping something alive—children, grandchildren, or even Albert—matters. Louisa teases Ted about hating children and being scared of babies; Ted defensively denies it and tries to act brave about dogs and prison.

The taxi screeches to a stop at a station as the train approaches. Louisa sprints up the steps and waves frantically, but the train thunders through without stopping. Ted reaches the platform too late; they can only watch it vanish into the night.

Back at the car, the driver proposes going to the next station to try the lost and found. Ted doubts anyone would turn in such valuable items, but the driver insists that hope is necessary. They drive into a small, seemingly quiet town with boarded-up shops, a café, and a sporting goods store, learning it is near the sea as gull droppings dot windshields and salt air fills the night.

At the next station, Ted panics about his wallet being on the train, but Louisa reveals she took money from his suitcase earlier and pays the driver. The driver moves Albert, bids them to take care of themselves, and repeats her “hold hands” advice, calling this the first day of the rest of their lives. After goodbyes, Ted reflects on the overwhelming speed of life as the taxi departs.

Louisa prompts Ted to thank her for paying—with his money—and they head toward the lost and found. The chapter closes with a small comic beat as Ted steps in dog mess despite Louisa’s belated warning.