In 1989, as reports of widespread damage continue to pour in, Sam remains at Ernie’s home with his family. Sam calls his mother, who is unharmed and making her way to Max, but Sam cannot reach Eva on her phone. He thinks she must have stayed at a hotel in Oakland. Sam begins to ponder his argument with Mickie and realizes she is right about his relationship with Eva. He deserves better.

Sam returns to his house to find Mickie’s dog Bandit there. Mickie left a note and an answering machine message. There is also a message from Eva telling him she landed at the airport. The phone rings, and it is Eva’s mother and father. Eva is dead, her car crushed under the collapsed freeway. Sam calls Mickie to give her the news, and she offers to go with him to the morgue to identify the body. After the morgue visit, Sam confesses to Mickie he felt relief knowing he would not have to confront Eva over the affair. Mickie stays with Sam as he cries himself to sleep. Eva’s funeral is in Redondo Beach, and Sam attends with Ernie, Mickie, and Madeline. He feels emotionally detached as he does not know any of Eva’s family.