Eleanor recognizes Raymond’s “peculiar loping walk” (300) as he meets her for coffee near her therapist’s office. They chat good-naturedly as they travel to a cafe. When Eleanor orders her coffee, she refuses to give her name to the barista so that he can write it on her cup. Eleanor hears customers grumble behind her in line and relents, telling the barista her name as Raymond stifles laughter.

Once seated, Raymond asks about therapy, and Eleanor tells him about what happened in the fire. She asks Raymond to help her research the event. Raymond expresses admiration for Eleanor’s inner work and holds her hands in his. Eleanor realizes that the “unscarred piece of her heart” (303) is radiating with Raymond’s affection.

She thanks him for his friendship and for saving her life. Raymond says she would do the same for him and laughs, recalling his first impression of her. He says he likes her unintentional humor and her nonconformist streak. Eleanor cries then laughs that her makeup is running. The two part ways, and Eleanor says she’ll see him soon because she has a surprise. She considers the task of reckoning with her recovered memories.