In 1998, Honey is initially annoyed that Bridie, is holding her baby shower at a restaurant instead of a more traditional venue. However, at the event, she is pleasantly surprised to find herself seated at the head table with Bridie’s family, and Fern and Naomi. Honey reflects that the impending birth is mending old rifts, particularly between Clara and Bridie.

During the party, Nina pulls Fern aside for medical advice. She shows Fern tiny red dots on her arm and describes unusual fatigue and bruising. Fern, a nurse, examines Nina and finds swollen lymph nodes. Concerned, she recommends immediate blood work.

By the time Bridie gives birth to her daughter, Josephine, named after Nina, Nina has been diagnosed with leukemia. After months of grueling chemotherapy fail to put her into remission, the family learns that a stem cell transplant is no longer an option. Nina accepts her prognosis, telling a distraught Bridie that she is tired and ready to stop treatment. She agrees to let Fern be her hospice nurse so she can stay at home for her final days.

While watching over the dying Nina, Dune notes how haggard and diminished his father, Finn, has become. The situation reminds Dune of the difficult period after Josephine was born.