Chapter XXXII begins with a sense of disarray as the aftermath of the situation involving Carlene’s trailer unfolds. The scene is swarming with police officers, state troopers, and paramedics, each moving swiftly to address the chaos. The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind an audience of curious neighbors who stood outside, eager to witness the drama that had just occurred. Inside the trailer, Lester, Lill, and Carlene were being questioned by the authorities, while the children gathered nearby, watching over each other protectively. Bobbi, Will, and Fish sat on Carlene’s sofa, with Bobbi trying to appear uninterested while Will focused intently on the officers, studying their every move. Fish, still affected by the earlier turmoil, seemed to have found some comfort after locating Samson, his distress fading with each passing moment.

On the floor, Samson and I shared a quiet moment of connection. His ink-stained hand grasped mine, the sensation of his touch offering a sense of calm amid the surrounding chaos. The paramedics moved through the room, handing out blankets and checking on the children to ensure their well-being. Despite the presence of so many adults around us, I felt an overwhelming urge to explain everything to the officers and caseworker, especially the reason behind our journey to see Poppa. I feared that the time we had taken to get here was being wasted and that we would soon face consequences for our actions. Even as I insisted that it had been my idea to lead the group, the adults merely nodded politely, their expressions betraying little conviction in my words. It became clear that my attempts to ease the situation were not making the impact I had hoped for.

A sense of dread settled in my stomach as I began to worry about the consequences for Lester and Lill, guilt gnawing at me over the lies that had led us to this point. My anxiety was compounded by my concern for Carlene, though I considered her more of an unfortunate part of our tangled situation rather than a central figure in my worries. As I anxiously inquired about Poppa’s condition, I received only rehearsed responses from the caseworker, which did little to alleviate my growing sense of unease about our future. The uncertainty of our circumstances seemed to be closing in on me, making me feel even more helpless in a situation that had spiraled beyond my control.

The arrival of Kansas state troopers added a new layer of tension, and the looming possibility of being taken back to Hebron filled me with dread. Despite the overwhelming odds, a sense of resolve began to build inside me, a quiet determination not to lose the progress we had made in our quest to see Poppa. Just as the situation seemed to reach its peak, a familiar figure emerged from among the troopers—Bill, Will and Bobbi’s older brother. His presence was like a breath of fresh air, bringing a wave of relief that swept over me, especially as he embraced his younger siblings. Watching this reunion unfold shed new light on Will’s life, revealing a side of his family dynamic that I hadn’t fully understood before. This unexpected revelation reshaped my perception of their relationship, adding depth to my understanding of their situation and their motivations.

Seizing the opportunity, I approached Officer Meeks, hoping to convey my perspective on everything that had transpired. With a rush of emotion, I implored him to understand that I was the one responsible for our actions, pouring out my heart and expressing my deep desire to see Poppa. Overcome by the weight of everything that had happened, tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke, my emotions finally breaking free in a moment of vulnerability. This raw outpouring was my attempt to make sense of the chaos, to offer a glimpse into my feelings and the immense pressure I had been carrying. It was a desperate plea for understanding, for a chance to be heard in a moment when everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.