The chapter describes the backstage environment just before a performance with Duke, Uncle Wallace, and other actors preparing in their own ways.
Uncle Wallace confides to the narrator that he still gets scared before performances, and they share a quiet moment together before the show.
The narrator reflects on the differences between her acting ability in the roles of Emily in "Our Town" and Mae in "Fool for Love," feeling more connected to Emily.
Duke is immersed in his role as Eddie in "Fool for Love," and the narrator struggles with Mae, feeling inadequate compared to her peers and understudies.
Uncle Wallace is seen struggling during the performance, missing his stage marks and clenching his teeth, signaling something is wrong.
During the second intermission, Uncle Wallace vanishes, leaving the narrator concerned but hesitant to inform production staff.
Uncle Wallace returns looking ill, but he persists in performing his role, leaning on the narrator for support during the third act of "Our Town."
The performance concludes with a haunting reminder of mortality as Uncle Wallace and the narrator speak their lines while contemplating death.
After the show, Uncle Wallace collapses, coughing blood on the narrator's dress, and is promptly attended by doctors from the audience before an ambulance is called.
The cast reacts to Uncle Wallace's condition, with the narrator feeling shameful for not intervening sooner.
Duke comforts the narrator, explaining that Uncle Wallace's condition was due to his life choices and that she couldn't have saved him.
The next day, the narrator's lackluster performance in rehearsal for "Fool for Love" is attributed to the trauma from the previous night.
Joe takes over the role of Stage Manager after an understudy named Lee refuses to step in.
The narrator visits Uncle Wallace in the hospital and learns about his personal life and family.
Uncle Wallace's health and eventual death in 1988 are revealed, with the narrator reflecting on her memories with him.