Sal recalls that Dean tried to drive back to New York but that his car broke down in Louisiana. He borrowed money from Inez to fly back to New York, where he reassured Inez that his from Camille divorce was final. From there, Dean traveled to San Francisco and reunited with Camille. Sal returns to New York and meets a woman named Laura, who makes him happy. Sal realizes that he has been searching for a woman like Laura for his entire journey. He plans to move to San Francisco with her. Dean hears about the plan and offers to come get them. However, he arrives five weeks early. Sal realizes that Dean can barely speak. His chaotic energy has intensified to the point that he’s almost incoherent. Dean doesn’t stay long. Sal plans to travel to San Francisco to meet up again with Remi, who has little time for any of Sal’s friends. As a result, Sal must leave Dean standing alone on a street corner and drive off as Dean prepares to take the train back west. Sal tries to think about why Dean came to see him, why he came back so early, and why he lacked any real plan.