Dear Edward

Edward continues to care for Principal Arundhi’s kangaroo paw, although most of the other plants have died. Edward and Shay continue to respond to letters, finishing those to the oldest and youngest writers first. Edward reads a note from the co-pilot’s wife, who feels guilty that her husband caused the crash.

Edward takes a bus back to New York and goes to Mahira’s tarot card reader. The reader, Madame Victory, reads Edward’s palm. She knows his name without him telling her. Edward asks her what he should do with his future; Edward is unimpressed with her generic answer. Madame Victory tells Edward, “There was no reason for what happened to you […] You could have died; you just didn’t. […] Nobody chose you for anything. Which means, truly, that you can do anything” (293). For the first time, someone tells Edward he isn’t special, and it affords him a new independence over his identity.

The plane loses speed as it ascends rapidly; the co-pilot steadies the climb and gains speed. In first class, Mark assures Jane that the plane is only shaking due to turbulence. He focuses instead on Veronica and the deal he hopes to close in California.