Van asks Kaui about Nainoa, and Kaui confirms that he is dead. Van tries to cheer Kaui up by giving her headphones to listen to a favorite song. This leads to what appears to be a rekindling of their friendship. However, the thaw in their relationship is short-lived. When Kaui tries to get intimate with her, Van tells her, “You’re so gross” (243). Kaui feels crushed.

Malia, Augie, and Dean bury a lei at a memorial service for Nainoa. Khadeja calls the house and talks to Malia. Malia is comforted knowing that Nainoa had a close relationship with Khadeja before he died. She decides to stay in touch with Khadeja: “We can keep this connection, let it be something” (250).

Dean makes plans to return to Spokane even though his mother tries to talk him into staying.

Malia receives a letter from Nainoa’s landlord in Portland informing her of overdue rent. The letter states that as a cosigner, she is now responsible for the balance. The letter also states that unless the bill is paid, the tenant will have to “deliver possession of said property on or before the end of the month, February 28, 2009” (253).