Summary
Highlights
Luke, having chosen to adopt a fake identity, is now Lee Grant. He reflects on his new clothes and name, missing his old life but understanding the necessity of the change. Jen's father helped secure him the identity, using a real deceased Baron's name.
A secret group supporting third children arranged for Luke to attend a private boarding school year-round. This setup avoids the need for him to pretend to love new parents, fitting the narrative that he is transferring due to misbehavior.
Luke looks back at his family's porch, seeing his crying mother and serious father and brothers. He recalls the painful conversation about his decision to leave and get a fake ID, where his mother initially resisted but his father convinced her it was the best, perhaps only, chance for him.
In the two days leading up to his departure, Luke's mother called in sick to work to spend every second with him. She filled their time with memories of his childhood, from his baby coos to his first steps and achievements, preparing him for a future where he might not have anyone to share these memories with.
Jen's dad arrives, maintaining a facade for potential surveillance. He pretends to scold Luke for running away and emphasizes the importance of his ID card. He subtly confirms they are being monitored by mouthing 'bugged' to Luke's parents. Luke is given his travel papers for 'Hendrix school for boys'.
Luke's mother asks for a goodbye hug, which Jen's dad allows. His parents hold him tightly, and his mother tries to make a joke to ease the tension, but Luke can only nod, blinking back tears as he gets into the car.
As Jen's dad drives, Luke catches glimpses of areas around his farm he's never seen. Despite his fear and sadness, a thrill of excitement emerges. He realizes he's doing this for Jen and dedicates his future to helping other third children, vowing to make sure Jen's sacrifice is remembered.
Luke watches his family's farm and eventually Jen's house disappear from view. Everything familiar vanishes over the horizon, and as Lee Grant, he turns to face an unknown future.