- After her father dies, Catherine thinks about living the rest of her life in the world below.
- Catherine's father has a stroke. He remains in a coma until his death, but she finally tells him about Vincent and Vincent speaks to him before he dies. At his funeral, Catherine gives the eulogy by telling one of her father's favorite stories. It is the tale of "The Velveteen Rabbit" about a toy being loved so much by a child that it becomes 'real' and is no longer just a mere toy. Deep in grief, Catherine finds it difficult to cope with her daily life. She goes below to Vincent and tells him she wishes to stay there with him, that the world above and life as she knew it holds nothing for her anymore. Knowing the pain she is in, Vincent welcomes Catherine below for as long as she needs to stay. He is there to comfort her and support her through the grieving process, holding her while she weeps and staying by her side until she falls asleep. She dreams that her father comes to her saying that he understands about Vincent and so many things make sense now that he knows about him. He reminds her that after her mother died when she was a little girl she always wanted to climb trees. He would watch her climb, fearing for her safety, but he always knew and trusted that she would never climb too high or out too far on a limb. After a time, with Vincent's love and care and the sanctuary of being below to mourn her great loss, Catherine begins to heal emotionally and becomes more of her old self. She feels that she is now ready and able to return to her old life and the world above. The first thing she does upon her return above is to climb a tree and looking up to the sky, she tells her dad not to worry, she won't fall.
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