The plot resumes in October 1943, more than four years later. Kenny Stearns has recovered from his accident, still works as a handyman, and still drinks heavily. Miss Thornton still teaches eighth grade; Joey Cross is now in her class, and she thinks that he is a promising student. After Nellie’s death, Paul Cross (the older son of Lucas) moved home with his wife and became the guardian to Selena and Joey. Paul and his wife provide a much more stable and caring home for them.

Tom and Constance are now happily married; Allison has moved to New York City, which Constance feels ambivalent about. On the night of Nellie’s death, when Tom and Allison had both abruptly found out the truth about Constance’s past, Constance had been terrified that Tom would leave her. Tom forced Constance to finally tell the truth about her past, freeing her from shame, and cementing the bond between them. They got married almost immediately afterwards. Constance is very happy but worries that Allison judges her. Selena now works as a manager at the store that Constance owns.