Summary

The group arrives at Clint’s Graveyard and, dropping some money into a donations jar, head towards the pounding music. Mateo reflects on his day and Rufus reminds him “no regrets” (302). People are singing onstage and Mateo admits, “I wasted time and missed fun because I cared about the wrong things” (303). Heading to the bar, the group orders soda and raises their glasses “to smiling while we can” (305). Rufus convinces Mateo to sing with him and they choose American Pie. Before going onstage, they thank each other for being Last Friends. The song ends and Mateo drags Rufus offstage and kisses him. “Finally!” Rufus exclaims and Mateo confesses, “the best thing about dying is your friendship” (308). Just as they pull away from each other, Rufus looks up and realizes the Plutos have arrived.

Around the same time, Howie Maldonado, the famous actor from...