Shiloh and Cary continue their email correspondence. Shiloh sends Cary fudge and shortbread by mail. She shares that Junie has been cast as a duckling in one of the theater’s productions, and she and Ryan are arguing over whether he can take his girlfriend on a family trip with the kids. Cary has made progress in getting his mother to agree to go into assisted living. Shiloh tells Cary about her date with Kate, and he asks if she likes women. Shiloh explains that she’s a “nonpracticing bisexual” (256), but she doesn’t want to date anyone. She adds that he shouldn’t tell her to date again. Cary isn’t dating either because it’s not possible in his situation. Cary encourages Shiloh to take a vacation with the kids. He also wants her to be more forthright in sharing with him. Shiloh says she struggles to talk with him about her feelings.

When Shiloh is in 9th grade, Cary comes to her house to tell her that his mother has gotten married again. He also tells her that his mother is actually his grandmother. Shiloh shares her soup with him while Cary shares more about his complicated family.