The chapter shifted to fifteen years earlier, where Cameron Ashwood took an English test on Animal Farm while distracted by Dusty Tucker sitting behind her. Cam reflected on her unfamiliar, overwhelming feelings for Dusty and compared them to the transactional “love” she saw between her parents, questioning whether real love existed for someone her age.

As Dusty finished his exam and walked past, he dropped a folded, triangular note on Cam’s desk. Before Cam could open it, Mr. Watson intercepted the note and invoked the class rule that confiscated notes would be read aloud, mortifying Cam.

Dusty took responsibility, standing behind Cam and admitting the note was his. When Mr. Watson prepared to unfold it, Dusty blurted out the contents to spare Cam, declaring that he had not stopped thinking about kissing her. He then knelt beside her desk and, looking into her eyes, expanded on his feelings: he thought about her constantly, cherished writing to her, and believed he might be in love with her.

Dusty told Cam he was going to kiss her and, with her eager nod, kissed her briefly in front of the class. Their classmates cheered, including a shout from Chloe, until Mr. Watson intervened and instructed Dusty to return to his seat and Cam to finish her exam. Mr. Watson handed the note back to Dusty as the moment ended.

The scene underscored how Dusty’s presence made Cam feel brave and highlighted the early, public affirmation of their bond.