Content Warning: This section contains references to stigmatizing language about mental illness.

Back at school, Levi knocks on Cath’s dormitory door, looking for Reagan. He is irked; Reagan blew off their arrangements to study two days in a row. He has to read The Outsiders and is worried about passing the test. He tells Cath he has never been able to finish reading a book. He cannot focus on reading and needs Reagan’s help to understand the basics when he cannot find audiobooks. Cath does not respond sympathetically, and Levi is hurt. He leaves, forgetting his book.

Cath runs to catch up with him and apologizes. Cath knows she owes Levi for all he has done for her, so she begins to read the book aloud. Levi begins to lean against her as she reads. Levi is very considerate of Cath, always checking with her to make sure it’s okay for him to touch her and telling her to rest when her voice gets tired.

By the time they get to the end of The Outsiders, they are both enraptured by the story. After she finishes reading, they kiss until they both fall asleep.