Summary

The day begins for LaPointe in an ordinary manner, taking her dog outside and having a somewhat underwhelming breakfast at the hotel. As she observes other couples in the hotel lobby, she realizes that, contrary to her previous feelings of loneliness, she is actually content and finds solace in being alone at this moment. With a sense of newfound peace, LaPointe embarks on a drive to Elwahco, the town where Comptia's house is located. She notices that all the streets and everything in the town is named after settlers, except for the town itself. Arriving at Comptia's house, LaPointe is slightly surprised by its small size. Standing there, she envisions Comptia and contemplates the life she must have had before and after colonization.

In a gesture of honor and remembrance, LaPointe lights a candle and burns cedar outside the house. While engaging in this...