Chapter XXVIII continues the group’s journey south, with the distance from Salina still weighing heavily on their minds. Despite the Beaumont family’s strong encouragement to head straight to Salina Hope Hospital, Lester remains firm in his decision to take one last detour. As the miles pass, the group distracts themselves by munching on snacks from the Mega Mega Mart, each person doing their best to keep their thoughts away from Poppa, who remains in the hospital. This small diversion serves as a brief respite, but the tension surrounding Poppa’s condition lingers in the back of their minds, shaping the atmosphere as they move forward.

The journey takes a tense turn as they approach Manhattan, where the sound of a police siren causes the children to stiffen in anxiety. For a brief moment, they fear it might be related to them, but their apprehension fades when they realize it’s not. Instead, they focus on Lill and Lester, whose quiet interaction with each other seems to have absorbed their attention. However, Fish, with his heightened senses, declares that he smells water, which immediately raises concern among the kids. Lester, trying to alleviate the unease, confirms their proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake, offering a measure of comfort to Fish and calming the group’s nerves for the time being.

As the group continues their journey, the narrator seeks to provide reassurance to Fish, who is still haunted by his traumatic experience during the hurricane. The narrator reminds him that he is in control, emphasizing his strength and resilience. Just as the conversation settles, the mention of Carlene’s name causes Lester to react with visible tension. This mention stirs up past emotions, especially regarding his tattoos, which are tied to a difficult and complex history with Carlene. The group, feeling the weight of Lester’s discomfort, shifts their focus to Carlene’s reputation, particularly her questionable actions with animals, which casts a shadow over the conversation and creates unease among the children.

Lester initially appears to be lost in thought, the harsh words of Rhonda and Carlene echoing in his mind. Their negative influence clearly weighs on him, and Mibs, frustrated by this, admonishes him for allowing their voices to hold such power. Lester, despite his discomfort, begins to reflect on the truth of his relationship with Carlene, recognizing the deception she had caused in his life. He comes to terms with the fact that it was Carlene who had secured both his job and the bus, a realization that hits him with a mixture of guilt and clarity. The tension surrounding Carlene’s influence is palpable, but it is through this self-reflection that Lester begins to understand the full scope of his connection to her.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Lester opens up about his desire to settle his debts with Carlene before he can move forward in his relationship with Lill. This moment of honesty offers insight into Lester’s internal struggle, as he acknowledges the lingering ties to his past that he must confront before he can embrace a future with Lill. Lill, ever supportive, responds with compassion, reassuring him that he is not alone in his journey and that together, they can overcome the shadows of his past. This gentle exchange brings a sense of hope and clarity to Lester, and he feels as though he has finally found a guiding light in Lill, whose unwavering support helps him navigate the complexities of his past. The chapter ends on a note of optimism, highlighting Lester’s growth as he begins to reclaim his sense of self amidst the challenges and self-doubt that have long held him back. It captures the themes of personal conflict, redemption, and the importance of support from those who care, setting the stage for Lester to begin healing and moving forward.