Today is the day of the Challenger launch, and Nova barely slept the night before. She’s too excited to focus on Mrs. Pierce’s tests. Stephanie gives a presentation to the class, asking the students questions about space and the shuttle. Once again, Nova knows all the answers and gets frustrated when others don’t. Finally, after a question about Sally Ride and Challenger, Nova rushes up to Stephanie’s poster and taps on the pictures that depict the astronaut and shuttle. She’s proud of herself, and Stephanie compliments her.

“Lift-Off: Jan 28, 1986”: Nova writes to Bridget, nervous that her sister hasn’t yet arrived. Bouncing and rocking in excitement, Nova feels full of “happy lava,” like she’ll burst. A teacher tells her to take deep breaths, and, suddenly, it’s time for the launch.

The class counts down to liftoff, and Nova watches the television and the door, alternately. When she can’t control her excitement any longer, she leaps from her seat, flapping and squealing as the liftoff occurs. However, one minute and 13 seconds later, the Challenger explodes. The news anchor tries to make sense of it, and all the observers seem confused. Nova knows that no one could survive the explosion and that this is “real life,” not like her pretend play.