Tally observes the changes happening to Dr. Cable. The cure takes a long time with her, as she has been an enhanced Special for many years, but she slowly loses her grip on control. The rules put in place during the brief period of war lapse, and further attacks on Diego cease.

Tally knows that, with the cure circulating throughout the cities, she might have changed her world irrevocably. Hopefully, it is for the better—though she is not always sure. Her city decides to return all the Specials to normal. Tally still wavers on whether she wants to change.

Finally, Tally is slated for the operation that will return her to “normal.” Gas floods into her room, and she tries to hold her breath when a voice comes into her head. It tells her to breathe and to pretend she is falling asleep. She remembers David reminding her that she is not alone, so she does as she is told.

Orderlies enter the room and place Tally in a special tank. She is fitted with a breathing tube as a viscous liquid floods in, implying her surgery will be extensive. She tries not to panic, but she worries that the operation will begin while she is still conscious.