Nearly four years after Cassie was stranded in the past, John Webber comes home from his usual walk shaken: he saw “Cassie” in Kellner Books, but younger, with shorter hair. Cassie realizes this fits her own timeline, because she had been in New York and visiting the store before she officially started working there in the future.

Webber admits that, until this moment, he never truly believed Cassie’s story about being from the future; he assumed she was deluded and kept waiting for a different explanation. Seeing the younger Cassie convinces him that Cassie’s account is real, and Cassie confirms she is trapped in this time until the Book of Doors returns to Webber’s life.

As they share tea, Webber presses Cassie about her plans and notices she has stopped actively searching for the Book of Doors. Webber confesses he has enjoyed the companionship but now feels guilty benefiting from Cassie’s situation. He insists they must find the book and offers full support—“no expense spared”—and asks Cassie to direct him.

Cassie explains her focus has shifted: instead of only searching, she needs to prepare for what she will face if she returns—especially Hugo Barbary’s power, the frightening woman from Drummond Fox’s memories, and the need to help Izzy. Cassie admits she still does not know what concrete steps to take.

Months later, during a walk on a cloudy day, Cassie sits in Bryant Park and replays old conversations with Drummond, suddenly remembering a key detail that sparks a possible plan to confront Barbary on more equal terms. Before that idea can develop further, Webber tells Cassie he has found the Book of Doors.