Herb marries a woman named Charlene MacKenzie on January 2, 1977. Johnny is part of the ceremony and Sarah attends with her family. That evening, Johnny talks to Charlene’s father. He is a World War I veteran whose son died in World War II. Johnny asks the man whether he would be willing to kill Adolf Hitler. The man says he would not hesitate for a moment. Months later, Johnny asks Roger Chatsworth the same question and gets the opposite answer. Johnny continues to tutor Chuck, who would also kill Hitler. Johnny becomes thin as he worries what to do about Stillson. 

Johnny proudly attends Chuck’s graduation. Afterward, Chuck emotionally thanks Johnny for the tutoring. As they hug, Johnny has a vision of a terrible fire at a graduation party at a steakhouse. He warns Chuck not to attend. The other guests are shocked. Roger tries to help Johnny, though he doubts the veracity of the vision. When Chuck is concerned, Roger offers to drive them over to the steakhouse to inspect the place. The owner of the steakhouse rejects Johnny’s ominous warning. Chuck stays at home but cannot convince his classmates not to go to the steakhouse.