At 74, Cricket lives in Paris, where he runs an atelier. His only exercise is walking, as a bicycle accident two years prior left him with permanently damaged arms and shoulders that prevent him from raising his arms without pain. 

During his daily breakfast at Café Zebra, he is visited by two former students, Ursula Han and Gussie Driesbach, who is holding her baby, Willa. Cricket gives Ursula advice on a painting, confirms he will attend her art show, and holds Willa, who falls asleep in his arms.

After they leave, Cricket reflects on his unexpected life in Paris. He had taken over the atelier from its previous owner, Flor, two years earlier and found purpose in teaching students “to see.” He struggles up the five flights of stairs to his hot apartment, thinking about his own mortality, the recent death of Roulin, an upcoming visit from Luka, and a group art show that will feature his work. 

Unable to rest in the heat, Cricket walks to the Seine. He finds people dancing and is pulled into a dance by a stranger. He feels that while his body has aged, his spirit remains open and his artistic vision has only improved.