The last day of school arrives. For his fifth-grade graduation, Evan’s parents make him a special breakfast. He tries asking about why the library was never rebuilt, but his parents don’t offer any answers. He presses his father, who relents and agrees that he will talk with Evan about it after the graduation ceremony.

At the ceremony, Mr. O’Neal reads a Mary Oliver poem. When he hands Evan his diploma, he encourages Evan to keep exploring life’s mysteries. As Evan and Rafe eat dessert afterward, Evan notices that his father does not mingle with the other attendees. Suddenly, his father tells him he must rush off to work and that they will not be able to talk after all. Evan is more determined than ever to solve the mystery on his own.

Al watches the graduation ceremony, momentarily soothed by it. However, she worries about Ms. Scoggin, who increasingly has not been herself, and Mr. Brock, who seems confused, constantly rereading the same page in his book.

A small boy comes to the door of the History House, and though Al is certain that the boy (later revealed to be Evan) can see her, she answers the door.