This chapter flashes back to Misbah’s final moments of life in the hospital with Noor. She wanted to tell Noor so much, but her body was failing quickly. Misbah told Noor she didn’t belong in Juniper, wanting Noor to escape Chachu’s clutches. She longed to ask for Noor’s forgiveness for not doing more to save her, and her final word, “forgive” (351), was meant as Misbah’s request for Noor’s forgiveness.

The following day in court, Salahudin is found guilty on all counts against him, and the sentencing follows immediately. The judge expresses how impressed he was by Salahudin’s admission of guilt and suspends Sal’s sentences on all counts except the transportation and sale of heroin, for which Salahudin is sentenced to three years in prison. Martin explains afterward that Sal will get out in 18 months with good behavior. Salahudin is grateful and finally feels at peace. 

In September, Noor goes to UCLA and meets her roommate, Neelum. She soon finds they have much in common—a love for music and Crown of Fates. Neelum is majoring in English, and Noor asks to borrow a book from her.