in 1984, when alan finds out peter was the one who leaked his name to the media, he leaves to reunite with tommy. the two finally take the road trip they previously planned, but under tragic circumstances, as tommy is now ill from an undisclosed illness. in a fitting end to their love story, alan fulfills his book contract by writing a second book. this time, it is about his coming out process and his love affair with tommy. the book is called "the trip," and is dedicated to tommy.