Summary

Charlie reads Mikey’s letter several times to remind herself that she is really getting away from her old life. In Tucson, Charlie has to walk through an underpass to get to the apartment and grits her teeth as she is reminded of the night she was attacked.

When Charlie walks into Mikey’s apartment and closes the door, she realizes that she is alone for the first time in months. She starts to panic because it reminds her of being back on the street, but she remembers to breathe, like Casper taught her, to calm herself. Charlie leaves the peacoat on even when she goes to bed because it makes her feel protected.

The next morning, Charlie goes to a convenience store and buys items to restock her tender kit. At a grocery store, Charlie picks up crackers and cheese. She...