In Chapter 103 of All the Colors of the Dark, Patch begins his day by robbing the South Atlantic Bank, holding a gun to the young teller as he fills his bag with cash. After managing to evade the police on Interstate 95, he reflects on his life and realizes that his single regret pales in comparison to the many misfortunes others face. Despite the dark nature of his actions, Patch chooses to donate the majority of the stolen money to the Harvey Robin Foundation, a charitable organization that operates across several southern states. The foundation aids communities in need, supporting vital projects that improve lives in difficult circumstances. The contrast between his criminal act and the foundation’s mission serves as a reminder of Patch’s complicated moral landscape and the choices he has made in his life.

Even though Patch has painted portraits for two families and sent the completed canvases to Sammy, he feels increasingly detached from his previous life. He no longer feels a strong connection to his home, unsure of where he truly belongs. Though he still owns a house in Monta Clare, Patch contemplates selling it, yet it remains a symbol of his past, a tether to a life that now feels distant. After a month of reflection, Patch decides to leave Silverton behind, relocating to the Red Mountain Pass. His journey takes him through Calf Creek Falls and Bryce Canyon, where he encounters local families. Watching their home videos, Patch feels the weight of nostalgia that fills their homes, but as he watches, he cannot find a familiar face among the footage. This sense of displacement underscores the emotional void he continues to grapple with, a disconnect from both his past and the people he once knew.

In the quiet of the early morning, Patch calls Saint, leaving a message that stirs a vivid memory within him. The memory of Grace’s voice, a unique sound she described as akin to a fingerprint, resurfaces in his mind. Patch is struck by her words, reflecting on the profound knowledge she possessed about the world around her. As he listens to his message, his mind wanders to Grace’s comforting words about the final cries of the dying. She had explained how these last moments, deeply personal and intimate, reveal the essence of one’s life and struggles. Patch, contemplating her perspective, finds a sense of solace in the thought that even in death, there is a meaningful connection to others, something that resonates with him as he continues his journey.

Patch’s travels take him from the Colorado River to Sedona, where the landscape shifts from dry dunes to lush pine forests, offering a contrast to the barren stretches of land he has encountered. The varied scenery marks the ongoing change in his life as he journeys through these regions, each offering new reflections on his past. Arriving in Phoenix, he drives along the Apache Trail and watches as a breathtaking sunrise illuminates the desert. The sight of the sun breaking over the horizon offers Patch a moment of quiet reflection amidst his otherwise chaotic journey. At Mesa Verde, he attends mass, seeking a moment of humility. In an unremarkable act of generosity, he slips a hundred-dollar bill into the donation plate. The woman seated beside him, who is unaware of his action, serves as a reminder that small, unnoticed acts of kindness can hold deep meaning, even when they go unseen by others.

Outside the church, Patch encounters a woman crafting a macramé wall hanging, surrounded by additional works and rosaries. The woman explains the purpose of the “chain of roses,” a set of prayer counters used to reflect on three essential mysteries: the joyful, glorious, and sorrowful aspects of life. She shares that these chains are placed on the deceased as a way to prevent further death, offering a sense of protection and closure. Her words provoke deep reflection in Patch, who considers how life’s fragility is embodied in these traditions and the symbols that accompany them. As he listens to her explanation, he contemplates the vastness of existence, the interconnectedness of life and death, and how each individual’s story is marked by both joy and sorrow. This moment becomes a catalyst for Patch’s own reflection on mortality and the experiences that have shaped his path. The woman’s wisdom leads Patch to further contemplate the nature of loss, memory, and the importance of connection in a world that often feels uncertain.

This chapter serves as a pivotal moment for Patch, where his journey is not just a physical one but an emotional and spiritual quest. As he encounters individuals who carry their own stories of loss and hope, he is reminded of the shared humanity that connects them all. Through his interactions, Patch begins to confront his own feelings of detachment and isolation, realizing that the answers he seeks may not be found in his travels alone but in the connections he makes with others along the way.