Steve's story makes her think of the essay she wrote and the way Miss Sands had reacted, telling her she could have bigger dreams than just a house with windows and chairs so she could maybe feel a little less alone. It makes her chest feel tight, thinking of Steve in the very scenario she had wanted so badly for herself, knowing it was sad all at the same time.

Maeve steps over the edge of the tub and sinks down into the water between Steve's legs, leaning back against him.

"So," she says. "I had to write this essay when I started in this advanced class back in Moordale. My teacher wanted us to write about the future, what we wanted, and I didn't realize we had to read them out in the class. Everyone wrote these inspiring pieces about changing the world or completing triathlons and the only thing I managed to write was that I wanted a house with big windows, so at least I could look out and see the world, no matter how alone I was."