The First State of Being

Michael wakes to a rainy day after crying himself to sleep. He doesn’t want to search for the sumbook. He feels guilty as he thinks about Mr. Mosley saving money in a jar for him—he believes he doesn’t deserve such kindness. Mosley left him $5,000. Ridge suggests investing the money. Michael is reluctant, given the uncertainty of investing, but Ridge points out that “[n]ot knowing is part of life” (214). Ridge is also glad of the rain, because sumbooks can’t survive water. Ridge is too sick to eat, but refuses to see a doctor. He thinks he deserves all his bad karma. Michael disagrees. The EGG turns on.

Michael races to find Gibby at the dumpster and tell her about the EGG. He feels better than he has felt in days. They both sprint back to Ridge.

Gibby and Michael help Ridge prepare for time travel. If he can return to 2199, he can be easily cured of his deadly cold. He asks them to ensure the sumbook is destroyed. Before he leaves, he writes them a note. Gibby asks Ridge for a memento; he writes his name on the takeout menu (it is the RIDGE mystery document from the future).