The Last Song

As Will leaves, Ronnie worries about her upcoming court date. Jonah startles her, teasing her about kissing Will. He tells Ronnie that Steve has been napping frequently and has been playing a new piano at the burned-down church.

Ronnie walks to the church and finds Steve composing. His work is interrupted by a violent coughing fit, which he dismisses as dust. They discuss the church’s reconstruction, and Steve says that he will finish the stained-glass window himself. On the walk home, Ronnie observes how frail her father appears. She also realizes for the first time how central the church is to her father’s sense of identity as both a musician and a man of faith.

That evening, Steve and Jonah watch over the turtle nest. Steve reflects on his changing perspectives on life and music. Jonah asks to live with him permanently, but Steve gently refuses, reminding Jonah that he has a home with his mother in New York. Jonah is heartbroken.

The next day, Steve takes Jonah on an outing to Fort Fisher, a waterpark, and an arcade to make up for his disappointment. The full day of activity leaves Steve exhausted, and he falls asleep almost instantly upon returning home.