Chapter XXXV brings the Beaumont family to the heart of Salina Hope Hospital, where tension and emotion fill the air as they step into the critical care unit. The family’s arrival is marked by a somber atmosphere as Momma gathers her children—Rocket, Fish, Samson, and the protagonist—into a tight embrace. With visible concern, she expresses her anxiety over Poppa’s condition, holding her children close as she processes the fear of what’s to come. While she is focused on Poppa, Rocket, in a quieter moment, asks about the protagonist’s recent birthday. His question is not truly about the celebration but rather a subtle way of checking in on how the protagonist is coping with their newfound abilities, particularly their savvy.

Momma’s worry about the protagonist’s adjustment to their savvy is evident as she tries to gauge how they have been handling life since their last meeting. Samson mentions Poppa, and Momma’s facial expression shifts, revealing her sorrow despite the faint smile she forces. Her eyes fill with unshed tears, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation. As the family moves toward the nurses’ station, the weight of their emotional burden is visible, with the nurses offering sympathetic looks that show they understand the gravity of the moment. The tension is palpable as they approach the station, and every step taken feels heavy with anticipation, yet there is an unspoken sense of unity within the family, each member holding on to the other for emotional support.

A nurse in cheerful blue scrubs greets Momma with a warm yet measured tone, but Momma, trying to mask the distress, introduces her children humorously as “delinquents—my wandering adventurers.” Despite the attempt at humor, the situation remains tense, and the protagonist, desperate to see Poppa, pleads with the nurse to allow them into the room. Momma, though anxious, stresses just how important it is for the family to be together with Poppa at this critical juncture. The nurse, with a soft nod of understanding, grants them permission to enter, but the uncertainty of what they will face behind those doors lingers in the air.

As the family walks down the corridor toward Poppa’s room, emotions run high. Fish, unable to mask his concern, nervously asks if Poppa has woken up, revealing the deep fear that hangs over them all. Momma’s gentle response, informing them that Poppa has not woken and that the doctors are uncertain if he ever will, hits like a heavy blow. The news leaves the protagonist feeling unsettled, caught between disbelief and sorrow, while Fish—surprisingly calm—remains composed, masking the anxiety that others cannot hide. This moment underscores the emotional impact of the situation, where the uncertainty of Poppa’s recovery looms over the family, creating a shared sense of helplessness.

Rocket, always determined not to be excluded from important moments, insists on entering Poppa’s room, declaring that it would be worse to remain outside in suspense. Momma, torn between wanting to protect her family and her desire to keep them close, reluctantly agrees. She turns to the protagonist, seeking reassurance, but the protagonist feels powerless, knowing that their savvy cannot fix this situation. There is an overwhelming sense of helplessness, especially as the protagonist reflects on their inability to influence the outcome of their father’s condition. This moment highlights the complexity of their emotional struggle—wanting to offer comfort, but being unsure how to do so.

Eventually, Momma pushes open the door to Poppa’s room, and the family steps in, greeted by the quiet reality of his condition. Poppa lies in the bed, seemingly lifeless, lacking the vitality that once defined him, a stark contrast to the fairytale image of Sleeping Beauty. The sight is a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be, and the family’s emotions are a blend of vulnerability, fear, and a fragile sense of hope. The room, silent except for the faint sounds of the machines monitoring Poppa’s condition, encapsulates the uncertainty and the delicate balance between hope and despair that defines this moment. For the family, this visit marks not just a confrontation with Poppa’s uncertain future but also a reflection of the complexities of their love for him and their fears for what lies ahead. In this moment, the true weight of family bonds and the emotional turmoil of facing a loved one’s mortality are felt deeply by each member of the Beaumont family.