It is now fall in Minnesota and Cathy has gone through two sets of treatment, to no avail. As her condition looms over her, Marlene's ghost haunts her reminding her of how delicate life is. Paul and Cathy's marriage is seemingly back on track as he waits on her but is hurt when he learns of her kiss with Dr. Todd, leading to an altercation. Cathy reveals her cancer to Rebecca, who tells Sean in an effort to be close to him. Sean is hurt and angry with Cathy for keeping her cancer a secret. Meanwhile, Adam has been seeing a shrink but simply wishes to be with his friends. Cathy and Paul then seek out the help of Dr. Atticus Sherman, whom they are told has had success curing people with Cathy's advanced stage of cancer.