This chapter is broken into alternating sub-chapters (1a, 1b, 2a, etc.) that detail Sam’s and Sadie’s individual experiences settling down in California from their own perspectives.

While he heals from his surgery, Sam rents an apartment near his grandparents’ place. The distinguishing feature of his neighborhood is a huge, revolving sign for a podiatrist: On one side is an injured “sad” foot and on the other a healed “happy foot.” Legend says the side of the sign one sees first thing in the morning determines the rest of their day. During his first year in the neighborhood, Sam only ever sees the sad foot side. Meanwhile, Sadie rents a flat within walking distance of the Unfair Games office. Her building also has a unique feature: an enormous sculpture of a male clown dressed in a tutu at the entrance. The statue is known as clownerina. To Sadie, the kitschy statue represents the free-spiritedness of California. She embraces Los Angeles wholeheartedly, breaking free of Dov’s shadow, sparking a deep friendship with Zoe, and dating new men. However, a distance grows between her and Sam stemming from Sadie’s discovery of the Dead Sea inscription.

Sadie and her team develop Oneiric, the engine on which Both Sides is to be built.