Wallace finally contacts Caitlin’s mother successfully. He tells her that he is studying at Temple University in Philadelphia, which is not too far away from where Caitlin and her family live. Caitlin’s mother pays Wallace the first visit. When she returns home, she tells Caitlin that Wallace’s dorm room is fairly empty. She has made a list of items to purchase for Wallace and plans to bring them to him on the next trip. The family arranges to visit Wallace together to help him set up his dorm.

When Caitlin finally meets Wallace, she asks him many questions about Martin. She learns from Wallace that Martin is “smart” and “funny” (312). Caitlin is relieved to have confirmed these aspects of her best friend, which she has assessed from letters alone. When Caitlin’s family decides to take Wallace out to dinner at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Philadelphia, Wallace is overwhelmed by the bustling activity of the restaurant. He has also never eaten any of the American foods on the menu. Caitlin’s mother suggests that Wallace take the leftovers back to his dorm. Wallace politely declines at first because he does not have a place to store the food.