Chapter 125 of All the Colors of the Dark follows Patch as he travels across states, reflecting on his journey and the people he encounters along the way. The bus ride brings him in contact with several hitchhikers, each with their own stories, while a couple argues about their fellow travelers. He remembers a brief moment when he saw a woman on horseback silhouetted against the rising sun, a peaceful image before he arrives in Stillwater. There, Patch gives up his seat on a crowded bus to a young girl who is pregnant but lacks the understanding of what her condition truly means. His journey continues through Oklahoma City, where he spends an entire night waiting at a bus station, contemplating his next steps.

During his wait, Patch finds a payphone and reaches out to Saint, hoping for some comfort. He speaks about Callie Montrose, a girl from his past, and the memories of their time spent together hunting and playing in the woods. As he recalls her tragic fate and the violence that has befallen her and others like her, he grapples with feelings of guilt and confusion, questioning the senselessness of their suffering. Saint, ever the voice of reason, tries to steer Patch away from his darker thoughts, though he remains haunted by the dangerous paths he’s taken and the memories of his own past that refuse to fade.

The conversation between Patch and Saint shifts, and Patch finds himself contemplating motherhood, something he never truly thought about before. He expresses admiration for Saint’s nurturing qualities, recognizing the difference between her approach to life and his own troubled existence. He acknowledges that he has always been on the edge of turmoil, constantly close to falling into chaos. Through this exchange, the strength of their friendship is revealed, with Saint offering a sense of stability in Patch’s otherwise tumultuous world. Despite his struggles, Patch admits to a hustler’s lifestyle, acknowledging the weight of his choices and the burden they bring. Saint’s search for a rosary during their conversation adds a sense of purpose to their bond, as it symbolizes her ongoing quest for inner peace.

Unbeknownst to Patch, as they continue their conversation, Saint traces his call. Patch walks through town, lost in thought, reflecting on his life, the people he’s known, and the relationships he’s had. While resting on a bench outside St. Joseph’s Cathedral, he meets an elderly woman who offers him a moment of warmth and understanding. Their conversation, though brief, highlights Patch’s growing realization that he is moving away from his past darkness and toward something lighter, symbolized by Grace, whom he loves deeply. This interaction with the elderly woman marks a subtle shift in Patch’s emotional journey, one that hints at his potential for change.

The chapter takes a dramatic turn when Patch robs the MidFirst Bank, a moment that underscores his struggle to break free from the consequences of his actions. As he makes this decision, Saint arrives, unaware of the events that have just transpired. The chapter ends on a note of suspense, suggesting that Patch’s reckoning is near and that the choices he’s made will soon catch up with him. This action serves as a pivotal moment, marking the culmination of Patch’s emotional turmoil and the impending consequences that are sure to follow.

Through these moments, Chapter 125 offers a deep exploration of Patch’s internal conflict, his evolving relationship with Saint, and the complex journey from darkness to light. The chapter touches on themes of redemption, personal struggle, and the search for connection, illustrating the emotional and moral complexities Patch faces. It also hints at the possibility of growth, even for someone like Patch, who has long lived on the edge. The quiet moments of understanding, like his conversation with the elderly woman, suggest that change is possible, but not without its challenges. As the chapter closes, the reader is left questioning Patch’s next move and whether he will ever truly escape the consequences of his past.