Chapter XI begins with Lester Swan, the bus driver, enjoying a lively conversation with his passengers. He eagerly encourages everyone to sit near the front of the bus, creating a sense of camaraderie among the group, though Bobbi and Will Junior hesitate as they sit beside him, clearly unsure and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Mibs and Fish, both on edge due to their father’s worsening health, sit quietly across from them, their anxiety palpable. The tension in the air is thick, as their journey to Salina grows more urgent with each passing minute. While Lester drives, he casually talks about the quirks of the bus, including a past incident when the vehicle unexpectedly broke down. His nonchalant storytelling provides a stark contrast to the anxious atmosphere inside the bus. Fish, his patience running thin, interrupts and urgently asks how long it will take to reach Salina. This question cuts through the light-heartedness, making everyone in the bus realize just how important and time-sensitive their mission is.

Lester glances at his watch, his expression shifting to one of mild concern as he recognizes that he’s running behind schedule. He still has to make a stop in Bee before continuing on to Wymore and Manhattan to deliver money to a friend. Despite the group’s growing frustration and their urgent need to reach Salina, Lester stands firm, unwilling to prioritize their request over his own professional commitments. He insists that he cannot afford to risk his job, a reality that weighs heavily on Mibs, who begins to feel guilty for asking Lester for a favor that might jeopardize his livelihood. Her internal conflict highlights the complexities of the situation: their personal emergencies clash with the larger, often inconvenient demands of everyday life. This moment serves as a reminder that sometimes, the things we need most aren’t easily within reach, and the responsibility of others can’t always align with our own desperation.

As the bus rolls into the small town of Bee, Lester’s frustration grows when he finds that the church, which is the only building of interest in town, is locked and dark. The town offers no immediate solace, only a reminder of the passage of time and the many unanswered questions that linger in their lives. Mibs, noticing Lester’s agitation, begins to reflect on her own life and the memories she holds of her mother. Her mother had always taught her that perfection is an illusion and that the true beauty of life lies in its imperfections. These lessons were passed down during quiet moments spent together in the kitchen, where they’d share warmth and wisdom while cooking. For Mibs, these memories of her mother provide comfort amidst the chaos of the present, reinforcing the idea that, like everyone else, the Beaumont family experiences both joy and sorrow. These reflections offer her a brief respite from the pressure of the journey and help her realize that, despite the difficulties they face, they are not alone in their struggles.

As Mibs steps outside to escape the complaints and growing tension inside the bus, she seeks solitude. The fresh air offers a moment of clarity, and she finds herself drawn to an old, abandoned house with a porch that seems to invite her to sit and reflect. Alone, she begins to remember the dream her father once had of building a porch swing for their family home—a symbol of comfort, togetherness, and the simpler moments in life. As she sits on the porch, her mind drifts back to these peaceful, hopeful times before the complexities of their current situation took hold. Will Junior, ever curious and persistent, eventually finds her and strikes up a conversation. Mibs, ever secretive, tries to deflect his questions but, in the end, opens up just enough to share a fleeting, light-hearted moment with him. This brief exchange provides her with a small amount of emotional relief, reminding her that, despite the whirlwind of events, there are still pockets of connection to be found.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Will Junior presents Mibs with a birthday gift—a pen set she hadn’t yet opened. As she examines the gift, she begins to draw a sun on his hand, a simple, innocent gesture. To her astonishment, the sun sketch comes to life, glowing and shifting in ways she could not have anticipated. This moment marks the beginning of Mibs’s journey into the discovery of her abilities, a revelation that surprises and deeply intrigues her. The chapter ends with the realization that Mibs’s powers are not just a figment of her imagination but a tangible force that is starting to take shape. This discovery symbolizes a turning point for Mibs, as she begins to see that her life is changing in ways she cannot fully understand yet.

The chapter is a rich blend of childhood innocence, family bonds, and the slow unveiling of Mibs’s unique powers. Through the challenges and the chaos of their journey, Mibs begins to confront the reality of her abilities and the weight they might carry in the future. At the same time, the urgency of the journey to Salina remains ever-present, reminding Mibs that time is slipping away. This constant push-pull between personal growth and urgent external demands mirrors the tension of adolescence, when the desire to grow and understand oneself is often in conflict with the pressures and responsibilities of the world around them. The chapter encapsulates the complex nature of family life, where joy and sorrow intertwine, and the realization that no one is immune to both the light and dark sides of existence. As Mibs embarks on this emotional and physical journey, she begins to understand that her family’s struggles are part of the larger human experience, one filled with both profound challenges and unexpected moments of wonder.