He then offers to drive them back to their college .
The film ends on a melancholy note , with Melanie recovering in the hospital while Merritt looks after her , and with Merritt 's promises to Ryder to continue a long - distance relationship .
Ryder then offers to drive them back to their college .
The film ends on a melancholy note , with Melanie recovering in the hospital while Merritt looks after her , and with Merritt 's promises to Ryder to continue a long - distance relationship .