Chapter XXXVI opens with the Beaumont family gathered in the quiet, sterile environment of Poppa’s hospital room, a space filled with tension and heartache. As they approach his bed, the weight of the situation presses down on them, each family member holding onto someone else, finding comfort in shared strength as they inch closer to Poppa. The sight of Poppa—unrecognizable with his bald head wrapped in bandages and numerous medical devices connected to him—sparks a deep emotional reaction in each of them. The protagonist, struggling to keep it together, feels her heart race, her breath quickening with the sheer weight of what they’re facing. Her emotions bubble up, and she fears that her tears might spill over at any moment, revealing the depth of her fear and helplessness.

The family’s presence in the room reflects their love and concern for Poppa. Grandpa Bomba, though clearly shaken by the circumstances, tries to distract himself by attempting to open a jar, his actions a small attempt to cling to normalcy. Rocket steps in, offering his help with the jar while softly singing the familiar love song that symbolizes the bond between Poppa and Momma. These simple acts, though small, offer a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst the overwhelming sadness. Meanwhile, the protagonist gently touches Poppa’s face, her fingers tracing the lines of his skin, reflecting on the difference between his condition and the homeless man she once encountered—someone who, unlike Poppa, had no one to care for him. She recalls Poppa’s faded tattoo of a mermaid, Miss Mermaid, which once seemed to represent his vitality and life. Now, that image seems distant, a symbol of a time when Poppa was a different person, and the protagonist yearns to re-establish the connection they once shared.

As the silence in the room deepens, the protagonist finds herself yearning for any sign of recognition from Poppa, but there is only stillness. Despite her attempts to listen for any sign of life, nothing reaches her ears. Fish and Samson, both relying on the protagonist to offer insight into Poppa’s condition, look to her for answers, but she is powerless to provide any. Unable to hear anything encouraging, she watches as Fish quietly walks out of the room, followed by Momma, leaving her to face the stillness alone. The constant beeping of the machines becomes a haunting reminder of the situation, amplifying the sense of hopelessness that fills the air. Yet, despite everything, the protagonist refuses to give up, her heart holding onto a sliver of hope, a belief that perhaps her words can reach Poppa, despite the silence surrounding them.

In a moment of quiet resolve, the protagonist whispers softly to Poppa, offering words of encouragement, telling him that he still has his “savvy,” the fighting spirit that has always been a part of him. She pours out her love for him, hoping that these words will bring him back to her, wishing for his recovery with all the strength she can muster. As if responding to her plea, there is a faint sign of life from Poppa—his fingers twitch, his eyelids flutter, and for the first time in what feels like an eternity, a tiny spark of hope fills the room. The family, who had been holding their breath in anxious anticipation, watches in stunned silence as this small, yet profound, response breaks the tension. The alarms suddenly blare, and the machines go haywire, signaling a medical crisis, but the protagonist’s unwavering belief in her father’s strength pushes her to continue speaking to him.

With the room now in chaos, she persists in calling out to Poppa, urging him to wake up, to come back home, and to fulfill the promises they had made, like building the porch swing they had always dreamed of together. Her words cut through the noise, offering a touchstone of hope amidst the frenzy of the hospital’s response team. As Poppa’s fingers twitch once more and his eyes flutter open, the room erupts into commotion and disbelief, but there is an undeniable sense of hope that floods the space. The protagonist’s words, filled with love and the weight of a promise, seem to have reached Poppa, bringing him back from the brink. This powerful moment symbolizes the strength of family bonds, the transformative power of love, and the magic of belief in moments of profound uncertainty.

In the end, the chapter leaves readers with a sense of hope, capturing the theme of resilience and the depth of familial love. Despite the ongoing challenges and uncertainties they face, the Beaumont family’s unwavering connection to one another proves to be a source of strength. This chapter highlights the power of words, the influence of love, and the ability to hold onto hope, even when faced with the most difficult of circumstances. It serves as a reminder that, in the most challenging moments, love can be the force that propels us forward, pushing us to never give up on those we care for. The hope that fills the room as Poppa stirs again is a powerful symbol of the belief that no matter how dark the times may seem, there is always a chance for light to shine through.