From 1996 until the spring of 1998 Cari continues trying to heal, grow and make something of her life. Though she finds strength in her relationship, she still struggles with her disability in Math and a string of stressful jobs. Being robbed at gun point at work and being kicked out of her house make her realize that her life will always be tinged with sadness. When she hears the term Mono No Aware in her Elements of of Japanese Culture Class, it sticks with her.