Rose writes that Fern behaves coldly toward her the night after she saw her and Billy kiss. Rose suspects Fern likes Billy and is mad at him for kissing Rose. The grown-ups notice the weird vibe between the children and query them. Rose, Fern, and Billy pretend everything is fine. That night they go to the stream. Fern is quiet, and Rose gives her space. Billy dives into the water; Rose goes off to relieve herself. It takes Rose a while to get back as the path is dark. Fern is not in the spot Rose left her, which is odd. Rose calls out for her, and Fern answers in a small voice. She is standing in the water, Billy’s corpse bobbing up near her feet. Rose whispers, “Fern … What have you done?” (228).

Fern’s coworkers at the library are very supportive of her. Meanwhile at home, Rose alternates between annoying and pampering Fern. Fern is grudgingly grateful for Rose’s care, especially as her pregnancy advances. Owen’s arrival keeps getting delayed. In her ninth month, Fern is at work chatting with Gayle when Rose pays her a visit over an urgent matter. Rose tells Fern that she got a call from Sun Meadows saying Nina has died.