Chapter XVII takes the group toward the town of Emerald, where the protagonist, along with their companions, has a surprising encounter with Samson, the narrator’s seven-year-old brother. He quietly stands next to Fish, holding an empty bag of potato chips, his silent presence adding to the mystery of his character. Lill, who is with the group, is taken aback by Samson’s unexpected appearance and learns that he is a quiet and reserved child, not one to engage in many words. This piques the curiosity of the group, adding an air of suspense as they begin to realize how unusual their situation truly is. As the children begin to feel the pangs of hunger, Fish makes a casual comment about how it’s well past the time for supper, highlighting their growing need for nourishment. Lill, a waitress at the Emerald Truck Stop Diner, responds to their discomfort by acknowledging her tardiness in getting food, yet sympathizing with the group’s struggles. She generously offers to treat them to a meal, including a banana cream pie, much to everyone’s surprise, particularly Samson, who is typically shy and doesn’t speak often. However, when Samson does speak, it is with a deep and husky voice, expressing his craving for the banana cream pie, which brings a lighthearted moment to an otherwise tense atmosphere. His simple request offers a sense of relief and creates a shared moment of levity among the group.

Upon arriving at the diner, the group is greeted by the neon lights that shine brightly in the evening, indicating a busy and bustling establishment. The parking lot is filled with numerous vehicles, signifying the popularity of the diner, and the atmosphere is lively with patrons. Lester, the bus driver, parks the bus in an alleyway behind the diner, apologizing to the group for not being able to park closer to the entrance. Lill, however, remains unfazed by the less-than-ideal parking, confidently leading the group through the alley toward the diner. As they make their way through the alley, Samson walks between Lill and Lester, though his anxiety is apparent, his steps still steady. The unease within the group grows as the narrator spots a hand protruding from a pile of discarded clothes behind a dumpster, sparking immediate concern. Despite Will’s suggestion that the man might just be drunk, the narrator refuses to ignore the situation, sensing the need to check on him. The narrator’s thoughts turn to Poppa, and the vulnerability he always seemed to carry, motivating the narrator to take action despite the uncertainty surrounding the man’s condition. Kneeling beside the homeless individual, the narrator reaches out to feel for a pulse, hoping to revive him, even as Will looks on with hesitation.

Rather than finding hope or reassurance, the narrator is overwhelmed with a voice inside their head, one of deep despair and regret. The man’s thoughts are filled with sorrow, and instead of the expected relief of knowing someone is alive, the realization of his emotional turmoil causes the narrator to falter. This moment is jarring, as the narrator realizes that their ability, which they had once seen as a potential means of helping others, only brings them deeper into the pain of others. The weight of this realization is heavy, leaving the narrator questioning not only their ability to help but also the purpose of their savviness. They had always thought of their power as something that could be used for good, to aid those in need, but now it seems like a curse, a burden too heavy to bear. The encounter leaves the narrator grappling with feelings of helplessness and an overwhelming sense of isolation, as they yearn for a life without the emotional weight of others’ pain. In this moment, the narrator longs to be like their father, Poppa, someone who doesn’t carry the weight of the world’s emotions. The scene is a powerful turning point for the protagonist, as it forces them to come to terms with the emotional cost of their abilities and the loneliness that often accompanies them. The realization that not all pain can be fixed with their powers leaves the narrator questioning the very essence of their role in the world.