After nearly three years of silence, Nel met Sula in person. She had planned the conversation in her head, intending to express concern for Sula’s illness and offer help but struggled to sound neutral, as she could not shake the resentment she felt at the memory of Jude kissing Sula.

When Nel arrived at the old house at 7 Carpenter’s Road, memories bubbled to the surface. She was struck by the poignancy of their shared past when Sula nonchalantly asked her to pick up a prescription; it was as if no time passed, as if things were as they always were.

The prescription proves to be a potent painkiller that Sula is only supposed to take in emergencies. Nel learns that Sula is short on money; her purse is empty, save for a watch. Walking down Carpenter’s Road, Nel remembers the first words Ajax spoke to them and recalls the pubescent thrill of being catcalled. Meanwhile, Sula ponders the reason for Nel’s visit. 

Nel returns, and the two fall to pleasantries, discussing their respective lives. Thinking about Sula, Nel declared she could not behave like a man. Sula countered by saying that as a "woman and colored," she was in the same situation as a man. Nel told Sula that she does not think that being a woman and being colored was the same as being a man if she had children. Sula replied that if she had children, she would be just like a man, as every man she had ever known had abandoned their children.

Nel criticized Sula’s close-mindedness, but Sula retorted by saying that she was aware of what every colored woman was going through, which was dying, just like her. However, Sula claimed there was a distinction, comparing herself to a redwood tree while other women were like stumps. Unlike most women, Sula explained, her inner life is robust and long-lasting, as she has only herself to rely on.

As Sula spoke, Nel interjected, asking if Sula was lonely. Sula admitted that she was but adds that Nel must also feel lonely. However, Sula’s loneliness is hers alone; Nel’s loneliness is a response to the actions of those around her. The pair discussed the nature of male companionship and disagreed about whether or not keeping a man around is worthwhile. As the discussion escalated, Nel accused Sula of thinking she owned the world and that everyone else was just renting space. Nel stated that she did not visit to argue but rather to inquire about Sula's well-being. However, since Sula brought up the topic, Nel asked why she had taken Jude.

Sula callously replied, saying that he simply filled a void. Nel, shocked, questioned why she had done that to her. Sula calmly explained that loving someone was dangerous and denied taking Jude away, claiming she only had sex with him. Sula added that if Nel truly cared about her, she would forgive Sula.

Before departing, Nel pointed out that Sula was alone without companionship or funds yet still expected others to love her. Sula replied calmly, certain that others will soon grow to love her. As a parting jab, she asked Nel to consider whether she was as good as she imagined herself to be. 

Walking away from the house, Nel thought of those who lived how they pleased. She thinks of the Deweys, Tar Baby, Eva, and Sula. As Nel walked away, Sula slipped into a half-conscious state, recalling her mother’s death and considering her old friend’s words. Shortly after the visit, Sula dies alone in the house she grew up in. As she lies on the brink of death, her thoughts are clear and painless, and she wishes to share the comfort of dying with Nel.