The next afternoon, Grover comes to Percy’s swim meet dressed like an artsy photographer and obsessively reviews contact sheets from Blanche’s photo shoot. Percy finishes second in his first race to avoid attention, then listens as Grover explains that Juniper reacted angrily when he discussed the photos and Blanche’s opinions about them.

Percy gently leads Grover to realize that repeatedly mentioning Blanche, especially for a bloom-day gift Juniper never requested, may have made Juniper jealous or hurt. Though Percy doubts his own qualifications as a relationship adviser, Percy tells Grover to be honest, apologize, stop focusing on Blanche, and ask Juniper what she actually wants.

Changing the subject, Percy asks about Grover’s efforts to learn more about the thief called Gary. Grover reports that cloud-nymph contacts Phaloa and Euclymene noticed strange energy around Washington Square Park, where nature spirits have been going dormant or leaving. Percy and Grover infer that Gary may be dangerous enough to frighten local spirits away from their own life sources.

They consider possible identities for Gary, including Geryon and even Ganymede, but dismiss the ideas. Percy suggests investigating Washington Square Park early, when fewer people will be present if a fight breaks out. Grover wants to spend the weekend at Camp Half-Blood with Juniper first, so they agree to meet Annabeth at the park very early Monday morning.

Before Percy returns to competition, Grover admits that his stress about Juniper may be masking a deeper fear: Percy and Annabeth leaving for California next summer. Percy hugs Grover and reassures him that they will not abandon him, promising visits and telling Grover he is like their life source. Grover accepts the comfort, and Percy heads for the diving board despite having barely practiced.