Chapter 166 of All the Colors of the Dark presents a reflective and poignant moment in Patch’s life, where his duties as a father and his inner conflicts take center stage. The chapter begins with Patch attempting to make a home-cooked dinner, choosing to prepare a pizza for his young daughter, Charlotte. He is concerned about the unhealthy amount of salt in takeout options, reflecting his desire to take care of her in his own way. Despite his best efforts, Charlotte shows little interest in his cooking, immediately comparing it to the meals her mother used to make, leaving Patch somewhat discouraged. To lighten the mood, he offers her a banana split, trying to soften the disappointment. But Charlotte, still dissatisfied, refuses again, and their interactions shift into playful yet emotionally charged exchanges, with Patch recognizing his struggles to connect and meet her needs.

After their meal, Patch takes Charlotte’s bath, though he feels uncertain about the appropriate bedtime routine. His hesitation leads him to reach out to his friend Sammy, who casually mentions that Charlotte is accustomed to staying up late, often around midnight. Patch listens, pondering the realities of fatherhood, and wonders what steps he needs to take to provide the stability Charlotte needs. When Charlotte later heads straight to her bedroom, avoiding TV time, it becomes clear that she is already developing her own sense of autonomy, leaving Patch to contemplate how he can best support her while still providing the structure she requires. This interaction highlights Patch’s internal struggle to find the balance between giving Charlotte the independence she desires and maintaining his authority as her father.

As night settles in, Patch attempts to bridge the emotional distance by sharing stories of his past travels. He recounts adventures he had in different places, reflecting on the people and events that shaped his life. The storytelling session takes on a deeper tone, as Patch reveals the emotional ties he still holds to a girl from his past, showing a side of him that yearns for connection. The memories of his past are filled with bittersweet emotions, and his desire to share these experiences with Charlotte adds a layer of vulnerability to his character. In trying to connect with her, Patch is confronted with his own loneliness, yearning for a deeper connection that goes beyond mere words.

Later, Sammy joins him for a discussion that leads to deeper introspection. They talk about Patch’s responsibilities as a father and the moral dilemmas that he faces as he navigates his relationships and past decisions. Sammy’s insight into the political and social changes, like the new governor, challenges Patch to reflect on his choices regarding justice and retribution. The mention of Marty Tooms forces Patch to consider the choices he’s made and how they’ve affected not just his life but the lives of others around him. Their conversation digs into the complexities of love, responsibility, and the burden of past mistakes, providing Patch with a moment of clarity as he contemplates what it means to be both a father and a man with a complicated past.

The chapter concludes with Patch standing by Charlotte’s bedroom, looking down at his sleeping daughter. Her peaceful slumber, marked by the TV remote clutched in her hand, symbolizes a fragile innocence that Patch is determined to protect. As he reflects on the safety and vulnerability of his daughter, he is reminded of the harsh world outside and the dangers that could threaten her. The news of a recent shooting incident weighs heavily on his mind, and he feels the immense responsibility of safeguarding her from the unpredictable nature of the world. The weight of these thoughts lingers, and Patch is left to grapple with his own internal conflicts. His desire to provide stability for Charlotte clashes with his own emotional scars, and the chapter ends on a note of reflection, emphasizing the emotional chasm Patch must navigate as he strives to protect his daughter while confronting the shadows of his own past.