Chapter 114 of All the Colors of the Dark takes place at the Glenn Hook Reservoir, where Nix is fishing, enjoying the peace of the water while grappling with the pressures of life’s responsibilities. He catches fish like catfish and walleye, using the time to converse with Saint, who has come to see him despite being on her supposed honeymoon. Their conversation reveals the truth behind her marriage to Jimmy, explaining that they are focusing on saving money for home renovations and his upcoming exams. Nix expresses his concern for Saint, recalling past discussions about her life choices, particularly the implications of marrying Jimmy while Joseph’s shadow looms over her life.

Saint reflects on her wedding night with Jimmy, recalling how it felt awkward and disappointing, a far cry from the idealized version she had once imagined. Nix probes further into her feelings about marriage, and Saint describes it as “decent,” offering a candid assessment of her current state. She touches on her mother’s belief in Jimmy’s inherent goodness, or possibly her desire for safety and stability, especially in light of the unresolved issues with Joseph. Their conversation explores deeper themes of love and existence, as Nix reflects on life’s roles and how people, often shaped by their past, come to accept certain circumstances. He opens up about his own heartbreak, alluding to past relationships that have left their emotional mark.

As the discussion deepens, the two delve into more profound topics like the weight of parenthood and society’s expectations of it. They share a mutual understanding about the struggles that come with responsibility, which are often more challenging than others perceive. Nix, sharing his own experience of losing a cherished dog from his youth, touches on the emotional scars that come with loss, a sentiment Saint connects with, given the losses she’s faced in her own life. Though the conversation touches on these deeper, more somber topics, they also find moments of lightness, recalling fishing exploits from the past. However, the mood shifts as the discussion turns toward the town’s history of violence, particularly a crime involving Callie Montrose’s father, which adds a dark undertone to their reflections.

As the day begins to fade, Nix shares troubling news with Saint: the FBI has started an inquiry into her, signaling a potential shift in her life and circumstances. This revelation hangs heavy between them, as it marks a turning point for Saint’s future. The chapter closes with a tender, yet quiet moment of closeness between Saint and Nix, a gesture that highlights the integrity and bond they share. This scene is a poignant reminder of the evolving dynamics in their lives, set against the backdrop of haunting memories and personal growth. The peaceful yet melancholic setting of the fishing trip encapsulates their shared journey of grappling with the past while attempting to move forward in a world that continues to challenge them.

In this chapter, themes of loss, self-reflection, and the complexities of relationships are intricately explored. Saint’s internal struggle regarding her marriage and her connections with Nix serve as a stark contrast to the idyllic setting of the reservoir, emphasizing how even in moments of tranquility, the weight of personal history and unspoken truths can linger. The presence of past tragedies, particularly in the town’s violent history, serves as a constant reminder that the characters’ emotional journeys are deeply intertwined with the world around them. Nix’s gentle probing and candid reflections allow Saint to confront aspects of her life she might otherwise avoid, while also revealing his own vulnerabilities, making their bond all the more significant in this chapter. The chapter concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the FBI inquiry looms, suggesting that the quiet peace of this moment will soon be disrupted by the unfolding mysteries and consequences of their actions.