It has been two days since the collapse of the skating rink, and it has rained for the duration. Tally hasn’t been able to talk to Zane about her and Shay’s argument because they have not been able to go outside, and she worries that the other Crims are losing their edge because the rain has trapped them inside. Zane is serious about escape, and Tally worries that they won’t be able to lose enough weight to slip the cuffs off. A ping comes in from someone unknown; they open the door and find Fausto. He doesn’t speak but brings in hoverboards that he has “tricked” to be free of the city interface. Tally and Zane go outside and hoverboard, flying at top speed and staying bubbly. She is reminded of the old days, riding hoverboards with Shay and traveling to Smoke.

As she and Zane race, Tally wonders if this sharpness is anything like what she could experience as a Special. She loves the feeling but wonders if there would be more alterations to her brain if she accepted Dr. Cable’s offer. She attempts to sneak up on Zane, but they both fall into the river.