Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, suicide, death, gender discrimination, sexual violence, and sexual harassment.

Baz and Sade search the paths around the dorms and comb Newton Sports Center, searching for any sign of Elizabeth around the pool and skimming over the construction site where a new pool is being built. By Monday, the rest of the school is focused on April and August Owens’s joint birthday party that takes place on Halloween. The invitation is Sade and Baz’s “ticket to Hawking House,” where they can continue their search for Elizabeth (169). Baz manages to secure the keys to the greenhouse, where he and Sade search for signs of Elizabeth. Just as they are finishing without luck, Baz notes that someone has been watering the plants. This used to be Elizabeth’s job, and Baz is sure the damp soil is a sign that Elizabeth has been there.

In preparation for the party, Sade bleaches Baz’s hair on Friday evening, then heads to Newton for a swim. August is already there, and they swim together for almost an hour. August once again urges her to try out for the swim team, claiming it is “a waste” for her not to be swimming.