Phoebe brings a new message to school the next day: “We never know the worth of water until the well is dry” (192). Meanwhile, Sal finds herself trying to kiss Ben as they chat before class but misses and kisses the locker by mistake. In English, Mr. Birkway alarms his students by announcing that he plans to anonymously read excerpts from students’ journals aloud. He proceeds to read several passages, explaining what he likes about each—for instance, a complaint about a student using “God” as an expletive is a reminder that people’s words can be unintentionally offensive. After class, the students confront those they suspect of writing negative things about them, and several arguments break out. After school, Phoebe and Sal go to the police station and present Sergeant Bickle with the newest message. Bickle dismisses the letter and Phoebe leaves, but Sal notices a photo of Sergeant Bickle’s family; his son is the man she knows as the “lunatic.”

Gramps books a hotel in Yellowstone so they can watch Old Faithful blow the next morning. Gram, who’s excited about seeing the geyser, chats and reminisces before asking Sal to continue Phoebe’s story.