Chapter XX begins with the group feeling a deep sense of relief after successfully escaping the chaos that unfolded inside the diner. The fresh spring air greets them as they step outside, and the sound of passing cars seems to calm their frayed nerves, offering a sharp contrast to the loud clamor of the restaurant. As they walked carefully, avoiding the potholes that marked the path to an alley, their steps were cautious, and their minds stayed vigilant, particularly watching for any signs of pursuit from Ozzie. Despite their concerns, Ozzie remained behind, likely too embarrassed by his earlier mishap with the pie, or perhaps still trying to recover from the chaos of the moment.

As they made their way through the darkened streets, a moment of reflection suddenly struck the protagonist. They noticed a homeless man sitting by a dumpster, his worn clothes blending into the nighttime shadows. Compassion overwhelmed them, prompting them to place the half-eaten burger basket and a cherished purple ribbon flower next to him—a small yet significant gesture that acknowledged his existence. This quiet act stood in stark contrast to the preoccupation of their group, highlighting the protagonist’s deepening sense of empathy, a quality that seemed to be growing more pronounced with every passing moment.

Upon returning to the bus, the lingering tension from the diner continued to buzz in the air among the group. Bobbi, with her calm demeanor yet probing eyes, remained an ever-present figure, observing the protagonist and adding to their growing discomfort. The protagonist, unable to shake off the unease, felt their thoughts interrupted by Fish, who sought clarity amid Bobbi’s relentless probing. As Bobbi’s teasing escalated, frustration began to simmer within the group, particularly for the protagonist, whose patience was now wearing thin due to the unresolved tension between the two.

Meanwhile, Lester, struggling with the bus door and juggling a stolen pie, added to the building intensity of the moment. Bobbi, unable to resist, once again teased Fish, igniting a sharp, defensive response from him. The tension in the air escalated dramatically as a sudden windstorm swept over the group, seemingly out of nowhere. Fish, caught up in the overwhelming emotions of the moment, unleashed his powers, stirring the storm with a force that sent Bobbi stumbling backward, both startled and amazed by the display of his abilities.

As the storm raged on, the protagonist stood motionless, untouched by the furious winds that surrounded them. The protective barrier created by Fish’s powers shielded them, a striking visual representation of the bond they shared as a family. Bobbi and Will Junior, standing a few feet away, watched in awe, the realization dawning on them that the Beaumont children were not like anyone they had ever known. They weren’t just ordinary kids, but extraordinary in ways that defied the normalcy they had once taken for granted. This revelation was a turning point, marking a shift in their understanding of the Beaumont family’s true nature and the powerful abilities they possessed, regardless of the chaos that continuously swirled around them.

In the aftermath of this realization, the atmosphere became thick with unspoken thoughts, as Bobbi and Will struggled to process the truth they had just witnessed. It was clear that the Beaumont children’s powers were far from ordinary, and as the dust settled, the profound implications of their abilities hung in the air. This moment signified more than just a physical display of power—it marked a pivotal shift in the relationships among the group, challenging their perceptions of normal and creating a new understanding of what it meant to be different. With Fish’s powers now openly acknowledged, the group was left to navigate the complex emotions that arose from this newfound reality, all while continuing their journey toward an uncertain future.