Chapter 28: The Last Love begins with Anna Morse, the owner of Morse’s Funeral Home, dealing with the overwhelming responsibilities of her work while still feeling the emotional weight of her husband’s death three years ago. She often contemplates leaving Linfield, Pennsylvania, to escape the memories and the burden of her life, yet she is tied to the town by her loyal employee, Nate Timblin. Nate is not only a reliable worker who helps with repairs but also a friend who offers companionship, keeping Anna grounded. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Anna feels a sense of relief, as no new funerals have occurred, allowing her a brief respite. However, her peace is shattered when she discovers a leak in her building, threatening the sanctity of the mortuary—a problem that unnerves her deeply, as it could disrupt a scheduled viewing.

Anna drives to pick up Nate, but as they converse, she notices a shift in his demeanor, sensing that something is amiss with him. Despite her attempts to draw him out with casual conversation, Nate remains distant, brushing off her concerns. He briefly mentions plans to stay overnight at Hemlock Row, cryptically hinting at a secret meeting with his nephew, who is embroiled in troubling circumstances. Anna offers to take care of the leak herself and leave Nate to visit his family, but Nate insists on working alone, expressing a need to handle things in his own way. As Anna drives off, she reflects on her own isolation and the growing sense of unease she feels about the future.

Later, as Nate works alone repairing the building, his mind drifts to memories of past trauma. He prepares himself for a meeting with Miggy, someone who holds the key to helping him escape his troubled past. Meanwhile, Miggy, unaware of Nate’s delay, grows anxious, fearing that something has gone wrong, as Nate’s past continues to haunt him. This looming sense of dread is compounded by the introduction of Bullis, a figure from the community, who brings coffee and eggs to Pennhurst, only to find himself unexpectedly caught in conflict with the Son of Man, a menacing figure from Nate’s past. The tension escalates as Bullis and Son of Man confront each other, leading to a physical altercation that forces Nate to confront the dangers that have been following him for years.

As the conflict reaches its peak, Bullis’ altercation with Son of Man serves as a catalyst for Nate’s own confrontation with his demons. The climax of the chapter unfolds in a shocking twist, with a figure from Nate’s past reappearing, dragging him back into his unresolved struggles. This marks a turning point for Nate as he is released from both a metaphorical and literal prison, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions. In a desperate bid for redemption, Nate attempts to save a boy, but the situation takes a tragic turn, leading to an act of violence that further complicates his path to self-forgiveness.

“The Last Love” explores deep themes of community, survival, and the haunting legacy of one’s past. Anna and Nate’s lives intersect in powerful ways, illustrating how the weight of past trauma can shape the present and future. As both characters grapple with their inner demons, they strive for justice and redemption in a world that seems unforgiving and relentless. The chapter ultimately conveys a sense of the inescapable nature of the past and the ways in which individuals are forced to confront their actions, even when seeking salvation. Through their intertwined struggles, the narrative highlights the complexity of human relationships and the difficult pursuit of personal redemption amidst a harsh and often unforgiving world.