They Both Die at the End (Silvera)
Short summary
In a world where people received phone calls from Death-Cast on the day they would die, 18-year-old Mateo Torrez and 17-year-old Rufus Emeterio both received their alerts in the early hours of September 5, 2017. Mateo, whose father was in a coma, initially refused to leave his apartment, fearing the outside world. Rufus, meanwhile, was caught beating up his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend when he got his call.
Both boys connected through the Last Friend app, designed to pair Deckers (people who received the alert) with companions for their final day. Despite their different personalities, they formed an immediate bond. Mateo pushed himself to leave his comfort zone, while Rufus helped him experience life more fully. They visited Mateo's father in the hospital, explored New York City, and survived an explosion at a gym.
Throughout the day, they visited the World Travel Arena, jumped off a cliff into a pool at a simulated rainforest, and went to a club for Deckers called Clint's Graveyard. There, they sang together and shared their first kiss. When Peck, the boy Rufus had beaten up, arrived with a gun, they escaped and returned to Mateo's apartment for safety.
As they lay together on Mateo's bed, they confessed their love for each other. When Mateo expressed concern that finding each other might have caused their deaths, Rufus reassured him.
We're not dying because of love. We were going to die today, no matter what. You didn't just keep me alive, you made me live.
Later, while Rufus slept, Mateo went to make tea and died in a gas explosion from his faulty stove. Rufus woke to smoke, pulled Mateo from the fire, but it was too late. Rufus spent his final hours in the hospital before being hit by a car while crossing the street, thinking of how Mateo had saved him in ways beyond the physical.
Detailed summary by parts
Chapters within parts are editorial.
Part 1. Death-Cast
Mateo and Rufus receive the Death-Cast alerts
In a world where people receive phone calls from Death-Cast informing them they will die within the next 24 hours, two teenagers received their alerts just after midnight on September 5, 2017. Mateo Torrez was reading a blog entry from CountDowners when his phone rang with the distinctive Death-Cast alert. He initially hesitated to answer, wishing his father was there to support him, but eventually picked up. The herald, Andrea, informed him that he would die sometime in the next 24 hours.
I've always been afraid of dying. I don't know why I thought this would jinx it from actually happening. Not forever, obviously, but long enough so I could grow up.
Across the city, Rufus Emeterio was in the middle of beating up his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend when his phone rang with the Death-Cast alert. His friends, Malcolm and Tagoe, were recording the fight and fell silent when they heard the ringtone. Victor from Death-Cast informed Rufus that he would die within the next 23 hours. After the call, Rufus let his victim, Peck, go, but smashed his phone to prevent him from calling for help.
Rufus and his friends, known as the Plutos, returned to their foster home. Rufus was still processing the news of his impending death, especially since he had already lost his entire family in a car accident four months earlier. At the foster home, they held an impromptu funeral for Rufus, where his foster siblings and ex-girlfriend Aimee shared emotional eulogies. The ceremony was interrupted when the police arrived, called by Peck. Rufus escaped through the back door, leaving his friends behind.
Mateo decides to use the Last Friend app
After receiving his alert, Mateo struggled with how to spend his final day. He wrote thank-you notes for his neighbors and reflected on his sheltered life. His father was in a coma in the hospital, and his best friend Lidia had a one-year-old daughter named Penny, for whom Mateo was the godfather. He didn't want to burden Lidia with the news of his impending death.
Feeling alone and wanting to live his final hours more fully, Mateo downloaded the Last Friend app, designed to connect Deckers (people who received the Death-Cast alert) with others for companionship on their End Day. After several disappointing interactions with potential Last Friends, including someone claiming to have "the cure to death in his pants," Mateo came across Rufus's profile and was intrigued by his honesty and acceptance of his fate.
Rufus gets into trouble and joins Last Friend
After escaping from the police, Rufus found himself alone on his End Day. He tried calling his friends, but they had been arrested for interfering with the police. He also tried calling his ex-girlfriend Aimee, but she didn't answer immediately. Feeling abandoned and with nowhere to go, Rufus noticed graffiti advertising the Last Friend app on a wall near a gas station.
Realizing he didn't want to spend his last day alone, Rufus downloaded the Last Friend app and created a profile. He received several messages, including the same inappropriate one that Mateo had received. When he saw Mateo's profile and message expressing sympathy for his situation, Rufus responded. They began chatting, and Rufus suggested a video call to establish trust. During the call, Rufus shared the story of his family's death and encouraged Mateo to leave his apartment and live his final day to the fullest.
Mateo and Rufus connect and meet
Mateo agreed to meet Rufus but requested that Rufus come to his apartment first. When Rufus arrived, Mateo was initially cautious, checking the hallway for potential threats before letting him in. Rufus encouraged Mateo to leave his comfort zone and live his remaining hours fully. Despite his fears, Mateo agreed to venture out with his new Last Friend.
No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end.
As they left the apartment, they encountered a dead bird on the street. Mateo insisted on burying it properly in a nearby garden, showing his compassionate nature. Rufus took a photo of this moment, beginning a pattern of documenting their day together. They then headed to the hospital to visit Mateo's father.
At the hospital, Mateo spent time with his unconscious father, sharing memories and singing to him. Rufus waited outside the room, giving Mateo privacy. When it was time to leave, Mateo struggled to say goodbye, knowing it would be the last time he saw his father. Rufus gently encouraged him to leave, reminding him that his father wouldn't want him spending his final day in a hospital room.
After leaving the hospital, they encountered a homeless man digging through trash. Mateo insisted on giving him money, explaining to Rufus that it wasn't about karma but simply about helping someone in need. This small act of kindness revealed more about Mateo's character and began to influence Rufus's perspective.
Part 2. The Last Friend
First adventures and facing fears
Rufus and Mateo decided to visit Make-A-Moment, a business offering risk-free virtual reality experiences for Deckers. They paid for a skydiving simulation, donned the gear, and jumped from a virtual plane. However, both found the experience underwhelming and artificial. Mateo lifted his goggles during the simulation, breaking the illusion and confirming that they were merely suspended a few feet above safety mats. They agreed that the experience lacked the thrill of genuine risk, which was ironic given their situation.
Meanwhile, Rufus received a call from Aimee, who informed him that Malcolm and Tagoe had been arrested for interfering with the police. Rufus was upset to learn that Aimee was still dating Peck, the boy he had beaten up. When Rufus hung up on her, Mateo had disappeared, frightened by the revelation that Rufus was running from the police. Rufus found Mateo and explained the situation, admitting that he had attacked Peck out of anger and frustration after his breakup with Aimee.
Rufus opened up to Mateo about his family's death, explaining how their car had plunged into the Hudson River four months ago. His parents and sister Olivia had received Death-Cast alerts, but Rufus hadn't. He managed to escape the sinking car while his family remained inside, giving up after ensuring his safety. This survivor's guilt had haunted him ever since.
Visiting important people and places
After their heart-to-heart conversation, Mateo suggested they visit the cemetery where his mother was buried. At the Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, they discovered workers digging Mateo's grave next to his mother's plot. Rufus convinced the gravedigger to give them some privacy. Mateo spent time at his mother's headstone, speaking to her about his life and asking if he would find love in the afterlife. Then, in a surreal moment, Mateo sat down in his half-dug grave, and Rufus joined him. They discussed fate and whether their meeting was destined or coincidental.
Afterward, Rufus wanted to visit the Hudson River, where his family had died. At Chelsea Pier, he confronted his guilt about surviving when his family didn't. Mateo provided comfort and understanding, helping Rufus process his emotions. This shared vulnerability strengthened their connection as they continued their day together.
Mateo then decided to visit Lidia, though he was determined not to tell her about his Death-Cast alert. They took a bus to her apartment, where Mateo spent time with Lidia and her daughter Penny. He left an envelope with four hundred dollars on her kitchen counter before slipping away without saying goodbye, blocking her number so she couldn't call him back. Outside, Mateo broke down, feeling guilty about leaving without a proper farewell, but Rufus comforted him.
Growing dangers and deepening connections
As they continued their day, Rufus suggested they ride his bike together. Mateo was initially reluctant, fearing it was too dangerous, but eventually agreed to stand on the pegs while Rufus pedaled. They discovered an abandoned collection of pay phones, which led to a conversation about obsolescence and mortality. Rufus took photos of the scene, continuing to document their day together in color, a departure from his usual black and white photography that symbolized his grief.
They decided to take the subway and play a game called "Traveler," where they invented stories about other passengers. They also created fictional memories of their friendship, imagining concerts they'd attended together and tattoos they'd gotten. The playful exercise highlighted what they might have experienced had they met under different circumstances and had more time together.
I've spent years living safely to secure a longer life, and look where that's gotten me. I'm at the finish line, but I never ran the race.
Their next destination was the World Travel Arena, where Deckers could experience simulations of different countries and cultures. Before entering, Mateo called Lidia using Rufus's phone, finally revealing that he was dying. He arranged to meet her at the arena. Inside, they joined a tour called "Around the World in 80 Minutes," visiting replicas of London, Jamaica, Africa, Cuba, Australia, Iraq, Colombia, Egypt, China, South Korea, and Puerto Rico. In the Puerto Rico exhibit, they found a rainforest jump attraction, where they leaped from a cliff into a pool below, holding hands as they fell.
Part 3. The Beginning
Embracing life and taking risks
After their experience at the Travel Arena, Mateo reflected on how much he had changed in just twelve hours. He had gone from being afraid to leave his apartment to jumping off a cliff, albeit into a controlled environment. Rufus, too, had evolved from the angry young man who had beaten up Peck to someone more thoughtful and open. Their shared experiences had transformed them both.
Twelve hours ago I received the phone call telling me I'm going to die today, and I'm more alive now than I was then.
Lidia arrived at the Travel Arena and met Rufus for the first time. After an emotional reunion with Mateo, which included both a hug and a slap for not telling her about his Death-Cast alert sooner, she joined them on their adventures. The three of them continued exploring the arena, with Lidia sharing facts about the various locations they visited. Their friendship dynamic expanded as Lidia was integrated into their End Day journey.
Meanwhile, Rufus received a message from his friends, the Plutos, who had been released from police custody. They arranged to meet at Clint's Graveyard, a club popular with Deckers. Rufus was excited about the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to his friends, something he hadn't been able to do when he fled from the police earlier.
Confronting the past and present dangers
At Clint's Graveyard, Mateo and Rufus found a vibrant atmosphere where Deckers were singing, dancing, and celebrating their final hours. Rufus reunited with Malcolm, Tagoe, and Aimee, introducing them to Mateo and Lidia. The groups merged, creating a supportive community for both Deckers. Mateo and Rufus gathered the courage to sing "American Pie" together on stage, a powerful moment that connected them with the other Deckers in the club.
After their performance, Mateo impulsively kissed Rufus behind the stage, finally acting on the feelings that had been developing between them throughout the day. Rufus reciprocated, and they acknowledged their growing connection. However, their moment was interrupted when Peck arrived at the club with two friends, seeking revenge on Rufus. Peck pulled out a gun, causing panic in the club as people rushed for the exits.
In the chaos, Mateo surprised everyone, including himself, by punching Peck in the face to protect Rufus. Malcolm then tackled Peck and his friend, causing the gun to drop. Rufus grabbed the weapon, pointed it at Peck, but then unloaded all the bullets into a wall instead of harming him. Mateo and Rufus fled the club, unable to say proper goodbyes to their friends but having narrowly escaped death.
Shaken by the close call, they decided to go to Mateo's apartment, seeking safety and comfort in their final hours. They agreed that they didn't want to risk their friends' safety by staying with them. As they walked through the streets, they reflected on how much they had experienced and changed in just one day, and how their connection had grown from strangers to something much deeper.
Part 4. The End
Final moments together and first death
Back at Mateo's apartment, they found comfort in each other's company. Mateo played piano and sang "Your Song" by Elton John for Rufus, a song his father used to sing for his mother. They talked about their day, the experiences they'd shared, and the connection they'd formed in such a short time. Rufus took photos of Mateo jumping on his bed, capturing moments of joy and freedom that contrasted with Mateo's previously sheltered life.
As they lay together on Mateo's bed, they created a "safe island" where they believed they couldn't die if they didn't move. They discussed the afterlife and promised to find each other after death. In this intimate moment, Mateo expressed his feelings for Rufus directly, saying he would have loved him if they had more time, and maybe he already did. Rufus reciprocated, acknowledging the cruel irony of finding such a meaningful connection on their last day alive.
People waste time and wait for the right moment and we don't have that luxury. If we had our entire lives ahead of us I bet you'd get tired of me telling you how much I love you.
They fell asleep together, but Mateo woke up feeling invincible, believing he had somehow survived past the Death-Cast prediction. He carefully climbed over the sleeping Rufus and went to the kitchen to prepare tea. When he turned on the stove, he realized too late that it was the broken stove he had mentioned in his note to his neighbor. The stove exploded, causing a fire that quickly engulfed the kitchen.
Rufus woke up to smoke and the fire alarm, finding Mateo missing from the bed. He wrapped his fleece around his face and crawled through the smoke-filled apartment, calling for Mateo. He found him collapsed near the kitchen, severely burned. Rufus dragged Mateo out of the apartment as firefighters arrived. Despite Rufus's pleas for the paramedics to take Mateo to the hospital, they confirmed that he was already dead.
Two dudes met. They fell in love. They lived. That's our story.
Aftermath and second death
Devastated by Mateo's death, Rufus was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. From his hospital bed, he texted the Plutos about Mateo's death and received their condolences. He also uploaded his final Instagram post - the photo of himself wearing Mateo's glasses while Mateo squinted beside him, smiling. This was the first time he had posted a color photo, breaking his pattern of black and white images that represented his grief over his family's death.
Rufus decided to visit Mateo's father one last time. In the hospital room, he showed Mateo's father the photos he had taken throughout their day together, narrating their adventures and playing the video of Mateo singing. He left a note with his Instagram username so that if Mateo's father ever woke up, he could see how his son had lived on his final day.
After leaving the hospital, Rufus headed to Althea Park, a place of significance to him where he had experienced many important moments in his life. He put on his headphones to watch the video of Mateo singing one more time. Distracted by the video and his thoughts, Rufus crossed the street without looking and was struck by a vehicle, fulfilling the Death-Cast prediction for his own End Day.
I kiss my Last Friend because the world can't be against us if it brought us together.
Meanwhile, Lidia received a call from Rufus informing her of Mateo's death. Though heartbroken, she resolved to keep Mateo's memory alive for Penny. The Plutos - Malcolm, Tagoe, and Aimee - also mourned Rufus, vowing to honor his memory and scatter his ashes at Althea Park as he had requested. Though both Mateo and Rufus died as Death-Cast had predicted, they had lived more fully on their End Day than either had in all the days before, finding meaning, connection, and love in their final hours together.