After they make love, Frankie lies with George and listens to the storm. The physical closeness matters to her, but what settles her most is a deeper certainty: she feels calm, convinced that loving George is right and that their relationship has changed at exactly the right time.

When Frankie wakes again, she studies George while he sleeps and notices how peaceful and unguarded he looks. She reaches for his dirty glasses, cleans them, and considers waking him because she already wants more time and intimacy with him. George stirs anyway, and their teasing conversation quickly shows how comfortable and newly charged their connection has become.

Frankie asks George to promise they can stay in bed all day, but George says they have somewhere they need to be. That practical interruption leads to a more important reminder: George is leaving for Mexico the next day. Frankie immediately feels how hard the separation will be, because their new relationship still feels precious and vulnerable.

In response, George cautiously invites Frankie to come with him or visit him while he is away, especially during the part of the trip when he will be based in the Yucatán Peninsula. Frankie says she wants to, and George visibly relaxes when he hears her answer. Together they try to name what this new stage means, and Frankie says being together feels necessary, which George agrees with.

Frankie reflects that they are suspended between their shared past and an unknown future, and she wants to hold onto the moment instead of rushing forward. Even so, the urgency between them remains strong. George finally gets them out of bed, promising that later he will devote himself fully to her, ending the chapter with desire, tenderness, and a clearer sense of mutual commitment before his trip.