Poppet and Widget linger beside the circus gates late on Halloween night as the ticket line thins and the star-filled tunnel entrance has already been taken down. They wait under the Wunschtraum clock, watching time and the darkening sky.

Widget presses Poppet about what she said to Bailey, and Poppet admits she tried to explain why it is vital he leave with them tonight, even asking him not to come if he will not. Embarrassed, Poppet also confesses she kissed Bailey, while Widget teases that he saw it and chides her for failing to hide her thoughts from his improving sight.

They compare notes about Celia: Widget says he told Celia that Poppet believes Bailey is meant to come with them, and Celia only replied that she would not do anything to prevent it. Widget reads Celia’s detached response as distraction and warns that Bailey’s role is not merely for fun.

Poppet explains what is driving her urgency: a vision from the Stargazer where she saw the entire courtyard burning—bright, hot, and consuming—followed by Bailey’s presence, which she is certain of even if the rest is unclear. She believes whatever is coming will happen very soon.

Widget half-seriously proposes kidnapping Bailey to force the outcome, but Poppet refuses, deciding they have done what they can and must now wait. Widget wanders off for more food, leaving Poppet alone at the gates, repeatedly checking the clock as the night presses on.