Chapter 112 of All the Colors of the Dark opens with Saint sitting at her piano, alone in the peaceful solitude of the room. The cool breeze from outside drifts through the open window, causing the russet leaves to swirl in the wind. This simple yet powerful imagery prompts Saint to reflect on the fleeting beauty of life and its inevitable end. The sight of the dancing leaves, so transient in nature, brings a sense of melancholy, symbolizing the brevity of moments and the passage of time. Lost in thought, Saint is interrupted by her grandmother, Norma, who enters the room, initiating a casual conversation that contrasts their differing perspectives on life and emotions. While Norma perceives a sense of sadness in the song that Saint plays, Saint defends it as a tribute to lovers and dreamers. She explains that the song is not just about sadness but also about the beauty in imperfection and fleeting moments, showcasing her hopeful and idealistic outlook on life, even in the face of inevitable change.

As Saint continues to play, her mind drifts to memories of a significant person from her past, someone who once shared her appreciation for music and life’s subtleties. She recalls the intimate moments they spent together, conversations that shaped her understanding of love and loss. The emotional weight of the past contrasts sharply with her present reality as she prepares to leave her home. Saint has made the decision to move into a small house on Alexander Avenue, a gesture from Jimmy’s mother, marking a significant shift in her life. This house represents a new beginning, but it also stirs emotions tied to the past—memories that she cannot easily escape. The idea of moving into this new space brings with it a sense of excitement but also apprehension, as it requires her to let go of the life she once knew. The discussions with Jimmy about renovations further underscore the changes that are coming, as they work together to transform this house into a home. Yet, despite the hope this new beginning promises, Saint finds herself grappling with the weight of nostalgia and the fear of leaving behind parts of herself.

The narrative takes a more poignant turn when the focus shifts to Saint’s wedding day. Dressed in a simple ivory gown with a delicate lace bodice, she stands at the threshold of a new chapter in her life. Although the dress is modest, it carries significance, symbolizing the purity of the moment and the commitment she is about to make. Norma, beaming with pride and love, walks beside her, guiding her toward the church. The lack of a car only adds to the simplicity of the event, reinforcing the emotional depth of their journey. Despite not having the trappings of a grand celebration, the significance of the day is not lost on Saint. The journey to the church stirs up a mix of emotions within her—fear, excitement, and relief—as the familiar surroundings of her town ignite memories of her past. The path they walk together is one of both literal and emotional distance, a transition from one life to another.

As they reach the church, the magnitude of the moment is felt deeply. Saint, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions, finds herself crying. Norma interprets these tears as a reflection of joy, but Saint’s internal feelings are more complex. There is joy, yes, but also uncertainty and a tinge of sadness as she contemplates the future. Norma’s tender reassurance serves as a calming presence, grounding Saint in the midst of her emotional whirlwind. With her grandmother’s support, Saint feels both prepared and nurtured as she faces this pivotal moment. The chapter closes with a sense of bittersweetness, as Saint stands at the threshold of her new life with Jimmy. The uncertainty of the future looms large, but there is comfort in the love and connection she shares with her grandmother. Norma’s unwavering support is a reminder that, even as Saint embarks on this new journey, the bonds of family remain steadfast, offering her the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

This chapter is rich in themes of change, love, and the passage of time. Saint’s reflections on her past, coupled with her anticipation of the future, encapsulate the complexities of moving forward while carrying the weight of past experiences. The imagery of the leaves in the wind, the quiet intimacy shared between Saint and Norma, and the simplicity of the wedding day all contribute to the emotional depth of the narrative. The juxtaposition of joy and melancholy throughout the chapter underscores the universal struggle of reconciling past desires and dreams with the realities of life’s inevitable changes. As Saint prepares for this new chapter in her life, the chapter captures the beauty of love, family, and the bittersweet nature of letting go while embracing the unknown.