The day started with Herman waking up early to begin the final chapter of his book.
He and ClaraJean had now read several large-font novels.
"You should paint trees today," Herman told Oliver when he came over to walk Johnny.
"That sounds great. Walk with me, and we can study them!"
After looping around the city, Herman and Oliver arrived back at The Maitland to see a large crowd gathered. The onlookers were murmuring, and Herman heard "Edgar" and "dead". Then, he realized that people were pointing up towards the towers, where a blue-looking silhouette stood near the edge.
"It sounds like they've solved the mystery," Oliver remarked. "Poor Mr. Evans. Killed because of some feud between two brothers."
"Indeed," Herman agreed. "But what's going on at the tower?"
"I have no idea," Oliver said, gazing intently at the figure.
The mumbling within the crowd slowly turned into a hush, and Herman could hear a woman whistling along with the birds.
All of a sudden, bright red flowers floated in front of Herman, and Sayori came dashing after them. She accidentally hit Herman, and he fell to the ground, his hip pounding the asphalt.
"Are you okay?" Oliver asked at once.
Herman grimaced, biting his cheek against the pain. A single tear fought its way out of his eye as he shook his head.
"Help!" Oliver shouted, but nobody turned, so Oliver took Herman to the hospital himself.
Herman was helped into a faded blue gown, and the doctor promptly examined his hip.
"You're lucky it wasn't worse, but surgery is definitely needed. Then, you'll require bed rest. I'll help you explore assisted living facilities."
"No!" Herman protested.
"I'll take care of him," Oliver immediately offered.
"No, Oliver, you deserve your own life. I will live with one of my children."
"But what about my lessons?"
"You're already an artist. There's nothing more I can teach you that you don't already understand."
"You can't leave me!" Oliver sobbed.
"I won't really be gone. Think of me each time you paint a sunrise, and I'll be there, on the horizon, guiding you. Someday, you'll understand why I must leave now. I want the sunset to be your own."
Before Herman went into surgery, he thanked Oliver for his hard work and help. Then, he thought of Ruth and asked her if he had made the right choice in setting Oliver free.
