An hour after witnessing the recovery operation at the river, Theo sits in his office unable to study, consumed by grief over April’s presumed death. He convinces himself that the body pulled from the Yancey River was April, abducted and murdered by Leeper. He imagines testifying at Leeper’s trial, explaining how April had secured every door and window yet allowed someone inside, proving that she knew her attacker.

The fantasy fades, and Theo looks at a sketch that April gave him. He recalls their history, beginning in prekindergarten. They were separated in first and second grades, and April moved away for a year or two. When she returned in sixth grade, Theo remembered her immediately. April was unique since she was passionate about art but uninterested in typical teenage pursuits. Her unusual family situation and growing moodiness made her more withdrawn.

Their friendship solidified in seventh-grade gym class when Theo had an asthma attack during wind sprints. April defied their teacher, claimed that she also had asthma, and stayed with Theo on the bleachers. They talked throughout class and connected on Facebook that night.

Theo’s father interrupts to say that Detectives Slater and Capshaw want to speak with him. In the library, Slater reveals that a body was recovered and asks what April might have been wearing.