Prodigy
Chapter 28: Day 14
by Lu, MarieThe chapter begins with the protagonist, Day, recounting his hostile reception at the hospital after being rescued from Denver’s Capitol Tower. He resists medical treatment, threatening staff and demanding to see his brother, Eden, as well as June and proof of the Patriots’ release. His outbursts are broadcast live, fueling public concern, but he eventually calms, easing tensions among the crowds. The doctor informs Day he’s been pardoned and that Eden will arrive soon, though their mutual distrust is evident.
Day’s emotions shift when he learns Eden is nearby. Overwhelmed by the prospect of reuniting with his brother after their separation during the plague, he disregards the doctor’s attempt to discuss concerning X‑ray results. When Eden arrives, Day is struck by his improved health, though Eden’s vision is severely impaired. Their reunion is emotional, with Eden clinging to Day, who cherishes the moment as a rare victory amid their struggles.
The doctor interrupts, urging Day to return for a private discussion. Reluctantly, Day agrees after ensuring Eden’s safety, though he remains wary of the doctor’s intentions. Inside the room, the doctor reveals a troubling discovery in Day’s brain scan, pointing to an anomaly near his hippocampus. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the nature and implications of this finding unresolved.
Throughout the chapter, Day’s fierce protectiveness of Eden and his distrust of authority figures are central themes. The reunion with Eden offers a fleeting sense of hope, contrasted by the ominous medical revelation. The tension between personal joy and looming uncertainty underscores the fragility of Day’s newfound stability, leaving readers anticipating the consequences of the doctor’s discovery.
FAQs
1. How does Day initially react to being taken to the hospital, and what does this reveal about his character and past experiences?
Answer:
Day reacts violently and distrustfully when taken to the hospital—shattering a doctor’s glasses, kicking over medical trays, and threatening to break necks if touched. He demands to see Eden, June, and proof of the Patriots’ release while also asking for Kaede’s body to be properly buried. This hostility reflects his traumatic past experiences with hospitals and the Republic’s authorities, likely tied to his family’s suffering under the regime. His outbursts also reveal his protective nature toward loved ones and his deep-seated anger toward systems that have harmed him, showing how past trauma shapes his present behavior.2. What is the significance of the public’s reaction to Day’s hospitalization, and how does it impact the situation?
Answer:
The crowds gathering outside the hospital demand proof that Day is being treated properly, forcing the staff to broadcast his reactions live. This public scrutiny acts as a safeguard, ensuring Day isn’t mistreated and indirectly pressuring the authorities to comply with his demands. The crowds’ gradual calming after seeing Day alive suggests his symbolic importance as a revolutionary figure—his stability directly affects public sentiment. This dynamic highlights the power shift where Day’s influence rivals the Republic’s authority, as the government must now negotiate with him to maintain order.3. Analyze the reunion between Day and Eden. How does the author use sensory details and emotional language to convey its impact?
Answer:
The reunion is rich with sensory and emotional details: Eden’s “milky purple” eyes, his shaky voice calling Day “Daniel,” and his tight grip around Day’s neck. Day’s hoarse voice, his choked-back tears, and the description of time stretching out (“minutes? hours?”) amplify the moment’s weight. Eden’s glasses and improved health (sitting taller) contrast with his lingering blindness, underscoring both loss and resilience. The author frames this as Day “hugging [his] entire family,” emphasizing Eden’s symbolic role as Day’s last remaining tie to his past and his hope for the future.4. What tension is created by the doctor’s interrupted revelation about Day’s X-rays, and how might this foreshadow future events?
Answer:
The doctor’s attempt to disclose “something important” in Day’s brain scans is interrupted by Eden’s arrival, leaving the mystery unresolved. This creates suspense about a potential health crisis or hidden manipulation (e.g., by the Colonies). The dark splotch near Day’s hippocampus—an area linked to memory—could imply tampering, latent illness, or a side effect of his prodigy abilities. The interruption mirrors Day’s prioritization of emotional needs (Eden) over physical risks, suggesting future consequences if the issue resurfaces, possibly threatening his agency or survival.5. How does the chapter portray the duality of Day’s newfound power and vulnerability? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Day’s power is evident in his pardon by the Elector, the public’s vigilante monitoring of his treatment, and his ability to threaten the doctor with arrest. Yet his vulnerability persists: he’s physically restrained, emotionally raw (screaming for Eden), and still treated with disdain by staff. The doctor’s mumbled warnings and the surveillance cameras underscore that his “freedom” is conditional. This duality peaks when Day prioritizes reuniting with Eden over his X-ray results—showing that even as a political force, he remains human, driven by love and trauma over self-preservation.
Quotes
1. “You put a hand on me, and I’ll break your goddy necks.”
This quote captures Day’s fierce resistance and trauma after being taken to the hospital, showing his deep distrust of authority figures and institutions due to his past experiences. It sets the tone for his volatile emotional state at the chapter’s beginning.
2. “He is everything that means anything. At least I have this.”
This poignant moment when Day reunites with Eden represents the emotional core of the chapter, showing how their brotherly bond remains Day’s anchor despite all the chaos and violence they’ve endured.
3. “The plague has taken most of his vision, but he’s here, alive and well, strong enough to walk and talk. That’s enough for me.”
This quote demonstrates Day’s acceptance and gratitude amid hardship, marking a shift from his earlier anger to a more reflective state as he appreciates having his brother back despite the lasting effects of the plague.
4. “I know he doesn’t want to be here, but he doesn’t say it aloud, not with all these cameras on.”
This observation highlights the tense, performative nature of Day’s interactions with Republic officials, revealing how both sides are constrained by public scrutiny and political pressures even in private moments.