Chapter 66 of All the Colors of the Dark begins with Patch standing outside a bakery, where the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. He watches as Mrs. Odell carefully arranges her assortment of breads, yet his mind is clouded by the recent confrontation with Chuck and his gang. As he contemplates the chaos of the situation, Chuck and his group approach and begin tearing down his posters, prompting Patch to respond with a cutting remark about their cowardice. Chuck, acting as the group’s leader, weakly retaliates by accusing Patch of littering, revealing the disconnection between them. The group’s actions and behavior only reinforce Patch’s sense of being an outsider, and he can’t help but recognize the privilege these boys share, likely united by their background in sports and their parents’ conventional roles in society.

The tension between the two groups intensifies when Chuck holds up a poster featuring a girl that Patch created, sparking an unsettling realization in him. Patch becomes acutely aware of how similar these boys are to one another—privileged, confident, and seemingly untouched by the struggles that define his life. As Chuck taunts Patch with the phrase “five on one,” Patch sarcastically asks if they need more people to take him on, unknowingly escalating the situation. The confrontation quickly spirals as Patch is shoved to the ground and pummeled with a barrage of punches, the taste of blood filling his mouth. Despite the pain, his thoughts are consumed by the girl in his posters, an image that anchors him amid the violence. In this chaotic moment, he reflects on a tougher beating he once endured from Eli Aaron, standing defiantly as if daring his attackers to continue, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain.

Just as the situation reaches its peak, an unexpected intervention occurs. Misty, a girl Patch is yet to fully understand, strikes Chuck with a baguette, momentarily halting the violence. The power dynamic shifts as Chuck retreats, visibly rattled by Misty’s unexpected confidence and intensity. Her intervention not only saves Patch from further harm but also causes Chuck’s group to reconsider their actions. With the immediate danger diffused, Misty’s presence changes the stakes of the encounter, and Patch, now collecting his scattered posters, can’t help but admire her. He notices her unique sense of style, with her jeans flared at the ankle and her blonde hair cascading over her shoulder—details that set her apart from the chaos surrounding them.

As the group slowly disperses, leaving Patch and Misty alone, they begin the task of re-taping the posters. This quiet collaboration in the aftermath of the confrontation helps solidify their connection, reinforcing the growing bond between them. Misty, still carrying a sense of purpose, invites Patch to dinner with her parents, offering him a gesture of kindness, possibly driven by gratitude or guilt. She hands him the baguette she made, a symbol of her unexpected support during the confrontation. In response, Patch jokingly remarks about the baguette potentially containing Chuck’s blood, a quirky comment that underscores the odd but compelling nature of their relationship. The chapter concludes with a lighthearted acknowledgment of their shared past, including an amusing grievance about borrowed silver cutlery, signaling the development of their connection amid the turmoil of high school drama and adolescent conflicts.

This chapter marks a significant moment in Patch and Misty’s relationship, transitioning from an unexpected act of intervention to a deeper connection formed through shared experiences. Misty’s boldness in standing up to Chuck and his gang contrasts sharply with Patch’s initial isolation, highlighting the contrasting dynamics between them. The exchange reveals not only the tension of high school life but also the growing emotional bond that starts to form, centered around their shared experiences and Patch’s vulnerability. Misty’s gesture of inviting Patch to dinner suggests that their relationship is evolving, hinting at the possibility of healing and understanding amidst the chaos of their lives. The quirky humor that arises from the situation, including the mention of Chuck’s blood on the baguette, provides a lighter moment, balancing the intense emotions that run through the narrative. The chapter ultimately sets the stage for further exploration of their dynamic, leaving readers intrigued by the potential for growth in their relationship.