Part III returns us to 1966. Will recalls that two distinctive sounds defined life at the Institute: the roaring of a lion at a nearby zoo and the whistle of the 11:42 train that passes in the night. Having settled in now that the summer has passed, he and his roommates talk over romantic matters. Pig remains very defensive of his girlfriend, Theresa, and is moved to rage when fellow students so much as utter foul words in the presence of Theresa’s photograph. Tradd remains somewhat insecure about his delicate, “effeminate” persona; however, he has also made love to a woman over the summer, an achievement that Will has not matched. As Will settles in for sleep after talking some of these topics over, he hears the train’s whistle and the lion’s roar sound simultaneously, in what appears to be a strange omen.

Annie Kate’s pregnancy progresses, and Mrs. Gervais moves Annie Kate to the family beach house at Sullivan’s Island, where Will often joins Annie Kate for strolls along the shore. The two of them get into the habit of looking for sand dollars. Although Annie Kate remains somewhat distant and temperamental, Will has begun to develop strong romantic feelings for her.