Campbell goes to the hospital to speak to Dr. Peter Bergen, a psychiatrist on the ethics committee that makes decisions on who should get transplants and other complicated medical treatments. Bergen acknowledges being aware of Kate Fitzgerald and her medical situation, but denies having ever considered anything regarding Anna Fitzgerald, even though she has been a patient at the hospital eight times.

Campbell runs into Julia, who is at the hospital to meet with Kate’s oncologist, Dr. Harrison Chance. Julia tells Campbell that Dr. Chance doesn’t believe Kate is strong enough to receive a kidney transplant, but Sara is pushing for it because she doesn’t see how they have anything to lose in doing it. The pair walk to a nearby restaurant owned by Julia’s uncle. As they settle down to eat, Anna calls from the police station in Upper Darby.

The novel cuts to the past: While Campbell is dating Julia, his mother pushes him to find out more about her. Eventually, he caves to pressure and brings Julia home to meet his parents; they are not impressed with Julia’s pedigree. Campbell drives Julia home and goes to meet his parents at a party, promising to call her before graduation—but he doesn’t.