Summary

Jamey suffers an immense loss when Romeo passes away after a long life. Though the decision to put Romeo down is a painful one for Jamey, his realization that Romeo’s death only constituted a kind of world-exit prompts him to grow closer with his spirituality, a beneficial development in his relationship with Risa. At the same time, Lorilee and Mu meet a man named Sam Rock who informs them of the hidden wonders of the Elkmoons. They attempt to summit together and meet Gladys Wax along the way, but fail to reach Jade Lake. After returning to the valley and sending Mu off to a summer program, Lorilee realizes she has developed breast cancer and is likely going to die.

With Gladys’ blessing, Grady summits the Elkmoons and establishes a permanent camp in the shadow...