Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and animal death.

Peter plays catch with one of his best friends, Ben. On the porch steps nearby, Ben’s little sister, Astrid, watches in awe. As they throw the ball to each other, Peter tells Ben about his plan to join the Junior Water Warriors. Ben scoffs, saying they aren’t coming nearby, but Peter tells him that he’ll go to where they are. Last night, he learned that the group will be cleaning up a site near his old home, and he plans to travel there.

Ben grows silent as they continue throwing. Peter asks if Ben wants to come too, but he can’t. Astrid is having an operation soon, and he doesn’t want her to be scared and alone. Peter realizes that Ben is the one who is actually afraid. He also realizes that he has grown numb to the pain and fear that loving someone can bring; having lost his parents and Pax, “he ha[s] nothing left to lose” (39). He warns Ben to be careful but doesn’t explain further. Instead, he leaves Ben and Astrid behind without another word.