In this, the longest chapter of the novel, Landon discovers that Jamie has leukemia. She and her father have known for seven months and have told no one, deciding that they would rather live without the sadness and pity of others for as long as possible. Jamie and Landon then tell his mother, and Reverend Sullivan shares the sad news with the congregation. When school begins again, teachers inform the students of Jamie's condition, and the entire student body grieves. Jamie's disease is a rare form with no cure, and she has only a few months to live unless a miracle occurs.
Landon feels fear and begins to investigate that emotion. He fears death, fears upsetting Jamie, fears talking about the future with her. He discovers, however, that Jamie is afraid, too, although she puts on a strong front. Jamie stops attending school to spend more time with her father; Landon, meanwhile, begins to pray for a miracle and starts reading Jamie's Bible every night, looking for guidance and answers.
Landon begins to ponder what he can do, if anything. His mother, who is deeply saddened by Jamie's and Landon's situation, encourages Landon to listen to his heart.
Jamie's disease progresses rapidly, such that she loses more weight, takes on a gray pallor, and bruises even more easily. She is nearly always cold, and she takes medication to ease her pain. She and Landon discuss Landon's reading of the Bible and the meaning of faith: Jamie reveals that her faith in God is still strong; Landon reveals that he is losing his. The two begin to study the Bible together. After a dinner at Landon's house, during which he assures Jamie that he will continue to visit her even during her last days, Jamie tells Landon that she loves him.
