Chapter 97 of All the Colors of the Dark begins with Patch and Misty walking back up a steep hill after spending a significant amount of time together. Misty, clearly feeling the effects of the long day, holds her shoes in her hand, complaining about the soreness in her feet. Her complaints add a layer of vulnerability to the scene, showing that despite the carefree nature of their outing, the physical toll of the day has begun to affect her. When they finally reach her house, they pause for a moment to take in the breathtaking view of Monta Clare. Misty expresses her appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding them, something Patch has grown accustomed to but now sees with fresh eyes, influenced by her perspective. As they stand there, the peacefulness of the moment contrasts with the rising tension between them, setting the stage for the deeper conversation that will soon unfold. Patch, sensing the weight of the moment, starts to talk about Boston, detailing its iconic landmarks like the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and the Swan Boats. He also mentions Copley Square and the famous painting “Grainstack” in the museum. His enthusiasm is clear, and for a moment, it feels like an invitation for Misty to imagine a future beyond the confines of their small town. However, when Misty confesses that she has no intention of going to Boston, the mood shifts. What began as a lighthearted exchange quickly gives way to underlying tension.

Patch, ever the optimist, pushes for Misty to consider the opportunities that lie before her. He insists that she shouldn’t throw away the chance to experience something as exciting as Boston, hoping to ignite her sense of adventure. However, Misty responds by citing her parents’ perspective, which further complicates the situation. As their conversation evolves, it becomes clear that they are not only debating her future but also the differences in how they view the world. Patch, frustrated, recognizes that they come from completely different places emotionally and mentally. This realization weighs heavily on him, and his inner conflict becomes more evident. His feelings for Grace, a girl from his past, resurface during the argument, and he confesses that he feels overshadowed by her memory. He describes Grace as a ghost, someone who seems unreal and unattainable, but whose influence still lingers over him. The revelation of his unresolved feelings only deepens the rift between him and Misty. Despite her passion and dedication to their relationship, Patch’s heart is still tangled in the past, leading to a complex mix of regret and longing.

The argument reaches a boiling point when Patch admits that he never truly reciprocated Misty’s declaration of love. This moment is a raw admission of his inner turmoil, and it strikes a heavy blow to Misty’s already fragile emotions. Misty, overwhelmed by his words, reacts impulsively. In a burst of emotion, she physically shoves Patch, causing him to fall into the dirt. This physical confrontation symbolizes the breaking point in their relationship, a moment when words have failed and actions take over. As Misty stands over him, she declares that their relationship is over, her voice filled with pain and finality. She harshly asserts that someone like her could never truly leave someone like him, but the depth of her pain is evident in her words. Her parents, having witnessed the escalating tension, step in and intervene. In the midst of the intervention, Misty is pulled away from Patch, and he, feeling the weight of the situation, walks away without looking back. The scene ends with a profound sense of finality, as the emotional intensity of the moment leaves both characters in a place of brokenness. This marks the painful conclusion of their relationship, signaling a shift in their individual journeys and the inevitability of growing apart.

This chapter paints a vivid picture of the emotional complexities inherent in young love. It delves into the themes of passion, misunderstanding, and the struggle to reconcile personal growth with romantic attachments. Through Patch and Misty’s interactions, the chapter explores the idea that love, while intense and powerful, is often fraught with complications that can drive people apart. Patch’s unresolved feelings for Grace act as a barrier between him and Misty, preventing him from fully embracing the love and connection she offers. The emotional weight of their relationship, mixed with their differing perspectives on life and the future, creates an inevitable rift that neither can bridge. This chapter emphasizes how difficult it can be to navigate the complexities of youth and love, where the pressures of the past and the expectations for the future collide. Ultimately, it captures the bittersweet nature of adolescence—where love is often fleeting and shaped by the harsh realities of growing up, making the emotional consequences of those relationships feel all the more intense.