The harbormaster makes an assumption that S. is bound for one of the taverns, and is one of those “most dubious characters, morally bankrupt tosspots, and societal scourges”, that he would not associate with. Quoting “Yet another drunk who’ll end up with the rest of them. A waste of life.”

S. walks to the low brink building tavern and spots a familiar symbol:

“the ornate twist that remained visible on the paper in his pocket.”

The symbol is illuminated by a single intact streetlight, like a light house guiding a ship to shore. S. believes that “ This is it.” And concludes that he has gone the right direction due to the symbol’s reappearance.

In the margins, Jen brings up the topic of places that the symbol as shows up. But Eric deems that the symbols and places might be faked. He also points out books, docs, artifacts are where he thinks the answers are. Jen argues that people are also a source of answers but Eric mentioned that the people who knew VMS might be die or very old.

“Maybe VMS is saying that nothing in the world is entirely one way or another.”

“Or maybe it’s about Sola. She’s there, so he’s supposed to be — for good or bad.”

Jen and Eric then discuss the purpose of S. being at the tavern. Jen brings up the idea that S. is supposed to be where Sola is, regardless of good or bad. And she also strengthens the point Ship of Theseus is actually a love story. Eric disagrees with this thought though.

In the end of the page, a voice tells S. “What begins at the water shall end there, and what ends there shall once more begin.” Once again emphasizing the importance of this concept throughout this book. And acting as a preface to the tavern scene and meeting Sola for the first time.