Chapter 85 of All the Colors of the Dark opens with Misty gently reprimanding Patch for his tardiness, revealing the worry she has been carrying about his absence. As they stand together, they observe the ongoing celebration, with a distant melody weaving through their conversation, adding to the atmosphere. Misty’s voice carries a blend of hope and concern for their future, prompting Patch to reflect on the pressures tied to her seemingly perfect life, symbolized by the poised posture of her parents. This contrast between their worlds—his uncertainty and her apparent stability—fuels his internal struggle, as he grapples with his own fears and the unspoken expectations placed upon them.

Patch openly admits his fear of never finding the person he is searching for, a truth that he carries like a heavy burden. Misty listens carefully, offering encouragement to keep searching but also reminding him that he might be overlooking what’s right in front of him. Despite her words, Patch struggles to look up, still weighed down by existential thoughts that keep him rooted in uncertainty. His inability to break free from the overwhelming weight of his fears leads to a distance between them, even in a moment meant to bring them closer. Misty’s reassurance, while thoughtful, cannot ease the depth of his internal conflict, revealing the stark contrast between their emotional states. The complexity of their relationship becomes evident as Patch wrestles with his need for something greater while failing to see the value in the present.

Misty, ever perceptive, comments on their differences, pointing out that Patch’s burdens isolate him. “No one knows you. Not really,” she says, capturing the essence of his struggle—his loneliness despite being surrounded by people. Their dance beneath the luminous moon and bright stars provides a fleeting sense of connection, yet Patch feels an urge to hide from the beauty around him, unable to fully embrace the moment. Their conversation shifts deeper as they discuss love’s capacity to inflict heartbreak, with Misty hinting at the fragility of the world and the potential for it to collapse. The dance, while physically close, reflects the emotional distance Patch feels as he tries to reconcile his fears with the reality of their connection. In this moment, the fragility of their relationship is palpable, mirroring the fragility of the world they both occupy.

As Misty slips off her heels, the grass beneath them offers a grounding contrast to Patch’s lofty thoughts, providing a moment of clarity amidst his swirling emotions. This intimate act marks a tender exchange between them, rooted in both physical and emotional connection. The simplicity of the grass beneath them serves as a reminder of the earthiness of their bond, grounding them in a way that their previous conversations and thoughts couldn’t. Patch, still deeply introspective, takes in Misty’s presence, curious about the gift she received for her birthday. This curiosity brings out a vulnerable side of him, eager to learn more about her and the things that matter to her in a way that feels more authentic.

In a moment of raw honesty, Misty looks into Patch’s eyes and shares that she received exactly what she had hoped for: “I got to dance with the boy who saved my life.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates their bond, reflecting how their lives have intertwined in a way neither of them anticipated. Her words reveal the deep connection they share, grounded in past struggles, present love, and an uncertain future. It becomes clear that their fates are linked in a complex dance of love, loss, and hope, each unable to escape the other’s orbit despite the challenges they face. The chapter closes with the bittersweet realization that, despite the weight of their respective burdens, they have found solace in each other’s presence, even if just for a moment.