Chapter XIII delves further into Mibs’ emotional turmoil, as she struggles with the aftermath of her father’s accident while aboard Lester Swan’s bus. Overcome with guilt and despair, Mibs wrestles with feelings of inadequacy, crying out in her turmoil while reflecting on how she believes she must change herself in order to find any reassurance about her father’s health. The atmosphere inside the bus becomes increasingly tense as passengers—particularly Rhonda and Carlene—express their dissatisfaction with Lester, who has taken charge of their journey. Mibs, feeling both overwhelmed and helpless, is caught in the grip of their criticism and is deeply affected by the increasing sense of danger that pervades the situation. Despite the rising tension in the bus, Mibs finds solace in her brother, Samson, who quietly offers her a moment of calm. His silent support brings Mibs some relief, helping her stay grounded amid the chaos around her.

As the bus moves along, the situation grows more intense when Mibs notices Lester struggling to secure the broken windows. The sight of Lester grappling with the damage brings Mibs into the role of caretaker, even though she feels entirely unprepared. She is forced to step into the responsibility of tending to the injuries of the other passengers, something she does reluctantly but without question. Bobbi’s sharp remarks and the discomfort of the other passengers only add weight to Mibs’ shoulders, making the tension palpable. Despite her doubts, Mibs pushes forward, determined to help not just out of duty but also in an attempt to redeem herself in her own eyes. She is driven by a need to prove that she can be of value in this time of crisis. However, the more Mibs tries to help, the more her internal struggle grows. The growing discomfort and judgment from the people around her make her feel like a misfit, but she stays focused, pushing through her fear and doubts for the sake of the others.

As Mibs attempts to tend to Will Junior’s injuries, she finds herself facing deeper questions about her identity. The constant questioning by Will about her family’s unusual abilities causes Mibs to confront the deeper complexities of being a Beaumont. Her powers, which once seemed like a source of pride, now feel like an overwhelming burden. As she grapples with the reality that these abilities make her different from others, Mibs begins to wonder whether she will ever find a way to live a normal life. Will’s probing questions make her feel exposed, forcing her to reflect on how others perceive her and whether she will ever be able to fit in. Mibs’ powers, which are inherently a part of her, now feel like they hold her back from connecting with others, and this only intensifies her internal struggle. She is torn between the desire to embrace her gifts and the wish to live like a regular person, free from the pressures of her extraordinary abilities.

Mibs is overwhelmed with feelings of confusion, guilt, and self-doubt, unsure of how to reconcile her identity with the expectations placed on her. The constant push and pull between what she feels she should be and who she really is creates a powerful emotional conflict. Will’s persistent questioning brings her to the point of emotional exhaustion, forcing her to confront the complexity of being a Beaumont child. Her internal battle intensifies as she tries to understand whether her powers are a blessing or a curse, and whether they will always make her different. The chapter captures Mibs’ journey of self-discovery, as she seeks not only to understand her own abilities but also to navigate the shifting relationships she has with those around her. The pressure to live up to the Beaumont legacy weighs heavily on her, leaving her to grapple with the complexities of family, identity, and self-acceptance. Mibs’ struggle to find her place among her family and the world around her is an ongoing theme in this chapter, highlighting the challenges of growing up when you are burdened with extraordinary gifts. The internal conflict of wanting to be seen for who she truly is, while also wanting to escape the expectations tied to her powers, makes this chapter one of profound emotional growth and exploration.