All the Bright Places Summary

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Here you will find a All the Bright Places summary (Jennifer Niven's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

All the Bright Places Summary Overview

The narrative revolves around the intertwining lives of Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, an unlikely pair drawn together by shared emotional turmoil. It begins with a chilling scene of both Violet and Theodore standing on the precipice of a school bell tower, a mere six feet away from each other, contemplating the end. As their paths converge, Theodore, also known as Finch, guides Violet from the ledge, cementing the beginning of their complex relationship. Afterward, they both deal with the fallout from their encounter, each attending counseling sessions and navigating the day-to-day life after the incident. In a bid to draw Violet out of her emotional shell, Finch urges her to partner with him on a school project that requires them to explore their home state, Indiana. As they embark on their school project, aptly named the 'wandering project', their relationship deepens, and they become more entwined in each other's lives. The project facilitates their exploration of their home state, but it also enables them to delve into the complexities of their emotions and personal struggles. Finch, who grapples with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and the lingering impact of his father's abusive behavior, finds solace in Violet's company. Meanwhile, Violet, still mourning her sister's death in a car accident, begins to see a faint glimmer of hope in her otherwise bleak world. Their relationship takes a romantic turn as they share intimate moments, exploring their pasts and fears together. However, their newfound happiness is short-lived as Finch's mental health begins to deteriorate further, triggered in part by Violet's parents' decision to forbid her from seeing him. As he spirals into a deep depression, Finch attempts suicide but manages to get to the hospital in time to save his life. Violet, growing increasingly concerned for Finch's wellbeing, learns about his suicide attempt and confronts him. In response, Finch ominously tells her that she can't save him, just like she couldn't save her sister, leaving Violet distraught. Eventually, Finch disappears, leaving behind a series of enigmatic messages. When his body is discovered in the Blue Hole, it becomes clear that Finch has lost his fight against his inner demons. Despite her grief, Violet continues their wandering project, finding solace in completing the journey they started together and remembering Finch's influence on her life.

chapter 1

Theodore Finch finds himself on a six-story ledge at school with no memory of how he got there. Violet, a girl who has a relationship with Ryan Cross and is friends with Amanda Monk, is also on the ledge, visibly terrified. Finch calmly talks her through climbing down safely, while simultaneously shouting to the spectators below not to attempt to rescue him. Once Violet is secure, Finch contemplates jumping himself, envisioning Amanda watching from the ground. He is interrupted by the shouts of his classmate, Gabe Romero, also known as Roamer, and by the concerned gaze of his counselor, Mr. Embry. Violet then aids Finch in getting over the wall. Finch inquires if she believes a perfect day is achievable. She admits she doesn't know as she has never experienced one. Violet expresses gratitude to Finch, even kissing him on the cheek, but not without warning him to keep quiet about the incident. Finch's best friend, Charlie Donahue, arrives at the scene, visibly worried, but Finch simply reassures him that death is an inevitable part of life. Subsequently, Finch, who is under probation for a past misconduct involving school property, has a meeting with Mr. Embry, whom he mockingly refers to as Embryo. They discuss the ledge incident and Finch's absence for the past five weeks. Finch keeps quiet about his older sister, Kate, covering for him during his mysterious "long, dark sleep." Mr. Embry offers an open-door policy for Finch, who is grateful that Violet wasn't brought up in their conversation.

chapter 2

Violet Markey meets with school counselor, Mrs. Marion Kresney, for the twelfth time. The focus of their discussions is often Violet's nightmares, which began a month after the tragic accident involving her sister, Eleanor. This time, they also discuss Violet's college applications, her writing, and the website she and Eleanor once ran. Violet remains reluctant to talk about the latter, believing her ability to communicate with words died alongside her sister. Mrs. Kresney encourages Violet to return to her regular routines, but Violet insists she's not ready. When Violet is labelled a 'survivor', she promptly walks out of the meeting. As Violet heads to class, she is hailed as a hero for her supposed role in preventing Theodore Finch from committing suicide. Finch, a controversial figure at Bartlett High School, has both fervent admirers and detractors. He disregards the common high school survival strategy to "lay low." During Violet's Russian Literature class, an assignment is given out. However, Violet, feeling the weight of her "Extenuating Circumstances," can't focus and has a throbbing headache. She suspects it's due to wearing Eleanor's glasses. During class, she receives a note from her intermittent boyfriend, Ryan Cross, who is curious about her involvement in Finch's suicide attempt. She responds that she was merely present at the time. After the class, Ryan is waiting to speak with Violet. As she walks out, Theodore Finch acknowledges her with a nod.

chapter 3

Finch hears the school rumor mill buzzing—it seems Violet Markey prevented him from leaping off the bell tower. Late to class, Violet clumsily drops her books. Finch strategically drops a book and his chair to distract others. He shares a smile with Violet. Mr. Black introduces the "Wander Indiana" project. Finch promptly chooses Violet as his partner. Violet attempts to escape the assignment with her three go-to words, but Mr. Black tells her "it's time to get back on the camel." That's when Finch recalls the accident. Exiting class, Finch is confronted by Gabe Romero, aka Roamer, who's ready to start a fight. Finch uses anger management techniques learned from a past brawl with Roamer to prevent landing in detention. After school, he keeps details about his recent disappearance and his state of being 'Asleep' from his friends, Charlie and Brenda. He spots Violet in the distance, who had earlier exchanged smiles with him, the school's oddball. At home, Finch pens about suicide by jumping and Google-searches Violet. He discovers a website and a news report about the car crash that claimed Violet's sister's life. He sets up a Facebook account and sends Violet a friend request. Post-dinner, he's pleased to see Violet has accepted it. They exchange messages, and Finch pictures Violet smiling. He composes a song on his guitar. For today at least, being Awake feels pleasant.

chapter 4

Finch is someone who feels constrained by an excess of regulations in his life. He drafts three fundamental instructions for their school wandering assignment to share with Violet: a ban on mobile phones, taking turns in deciding the destinations, and a mandate to leave a mark at each visited location.

chapter 5

Violet unexpectedly finds herself at a party at Amanda Monk's home. In her search for Amanda and Suze Haines, she encounters Joe Wyatt, Roamer, and Troy Satterfield. They question her about her part in the ledge incident, to which she responds that she is relieved she was present. However, she avoids Roamer's question about her reasons for being on the ledge, simply stating that she followed Finch. Overwhelmed, Violet makes her exit from the party, sending Amanda a text to apologize for leaving early. She bumps into Ryan Cross, who attempts to engage her romantically, prompting her to recall their past relationship. However, she deflects his advances, informing him she is unwell and needs to return home. Back in her room, a place she treasures for its solace and freedom, Violet marks the end of the day on her calendar with a black X. She spends her time engrossed in books, favoring the works of the Brontë sisters. She stumbles upon a video Finch has uploaded on her Facebook, clearly directed at her, in which he sings a song about a boy taking a leap off a roof. The video ends with him addressing Violet directly, requesting her confirmation of being alive. Disconcerted by the video and still processing the previous day's events, Violet messages Finch, insisting on its removal. She further asserts that if he visits her that night, he has to let the issue lie. Finch complies but signs out before Violet has a chance to retract her statement.

chapter 6

In the process of driving his mother's car, the Little Bastard, to Violet's place, Finch reflects on Cesare Pavese's poetry. He accelerates and his vehicle ends up partially in a ditch, but he survives. Upon reaching Violet's place, he finds her on her front porch. Despite her assertion that she's okay and doesn't want to talk, they go for a stroll. The topic of their encounter on the ledge is brought up by Finch. Violet is adamant that she isn't contemplating suicide. She reveals that her sister would have turned nineteen on the day they were on the ledge and admits to feeling like life is simply killing time until death. However, Finch reminds her she didn't take the leap, so something must hold significance for her. When Violet inquires why Finch is referred to as Theodore Freak, he pauses, unsure of which truth to share. Once back at Violet's house, she expresses her desire to sleep, which Finch internally contests as he states, "I wouldn't ever sleep if I didn't have to." It's revealed that Violet was the one who picked the tower lock that day. Surprised, Finch compliments her, saying, "There’s more to you than meets the eye.” During his routine night run, Finch chooses a different path back home, across the A Street Bridge. Noticing the gap in the guardrail and the adjacent cross, he descends the embankment and discovers remnants of Eleanor’s car, including the license plate which he takes along. He pledges to stay awake, thinking, "This time, I will stay awake," before hustling back home.

chapter 7

Violet gets a warning that her website, EleanorandViolet.com, is close to its expiration date. She browses the numerous files of plans and concepts she and Eleanor developed together, momentarily contemplating converting the site into a platform for authors. However, she decides to erase the notes and the email from the hosting service, permanently deleting them from her computer. The email, much like Eleanor, is now irretrievably lost.

chapter 8

On a Sunday night, Finch, along with his older sister Kate and younger sister Decca, has the Compulsory Weekly Family Dinner at the house of their dad, Ted. Ted, an ex-professional hockey player, and his second wife Rosemarie, along with her son Josh Raymond, are oblivious to Finch's school issues, due to misinformation by Kate. At the dinner, Finch challenges his father, with whom he shares a strained bond, by refusing to eat red meat. "80’s Finch" compares it to choices of dying: leaping off a building or poisoning oneself with meat. Once they return home, Kate laments the pretence of their chaotic lives during Sunday dinners. Finch questions Kate about Eleanor Markey. Later, in his room, Finch puts out a stolen cigarette, breaks the remaining ones and discards them. He pens down his thoughts on suicide by poison on his computer, finds sleeping pills in his medicine cabinet, and arranges them on his desk. When Finch visits Violet's Facebook page, he finds a post applauding her for saving his life. He privately messages Violet a quote by Virginia Woolf. As he awaits her response, he adds more notes to his room's wall - a space where he records his thoughts. Violet responds and they continue to exchange Woolf quotes. Violet then shares her rules for the school project with Finch: no driving and no travelling in bad weather. They decide to document their adventures. Finally, Finch discards the sleeping pills by flushing them down the toilet and falls asleep, only to find himself on the ledge in a horrifying dream.

chapter 9

Violet steps into her initial class of the day. The Bartlett Dirt, renowned as a school gossip newsletter, publishes a story about the bell tower event, omitting names but featuring images of both Violet and Finch. She excuses herself from class claiming stomach cramps, and ascends the stairway to the bell tower. After successfully picking the lock again, Violet settles on the stairway, her path illuminated by her mobile phone while she engrosses herself in two chapters of Wuthering Heights. She feels a deep connection with Emily Brontë, who is described as being "angry at the world."

chapter 10

Finch encounters Charlie and Bren at Goodwill during a school period, informing them about his plans to ditch his "80's Finch" style for an edgier look. He denies that his fashion evolution is in any way connected to Violet Markey. His new aesthetic is finalized with a distressed leather jacket, giving birth to the "Badass Finch" persona. His new guise seems to be a hit, attracting flirtatious attention from several girls on the way to lunch. By the time he walks into geography class, Finch is confident that the "Badass British Finch" identity he has adopted is a success. His gaze lands on Ryan Cross and Violet in class, attempting to get Violet's attention. Post class, Finch informs Violet it's time to embark on their journey, proposing Hoosier Hill, Indiana's tallest point, as their initial stop. Violet dismisses any fear of heights she might have. Amanda, overhearing their conversation, asks Finch if Violet wasn't the one who prevented his suicide attempt. Roamer mockingly advises Finch to give suicide another shot. Unfazed, Finch dismisses their comments. He encourages Violet to seize the day, but she declines to skip class. They agree to meet after school in the parking lot. Finch quotes Virginia Woolf, imagining Violet's almost smile in response.

chapter 11

Post-school, Violet tailgates Finch to his residence on her bicycle, affectionately named Leroy. Once inside Finch's bedroom, Violet's curiosity is piqued by a wall covered entirely in Post-it notes depicting songs, notions, and daydreams; Finch explains. He scribbles down the sentence, “get back on the camel” and adds it to the collection. Hopping back on their bikes, Finch comments on Violet's fear of cars despite her bell tower stunt. Violet confesses she hasn’t been in a vehicle since her sister's fatal accident, which unsettles her. Finch undertakes not to mention it again. En route to Hoosier Hill, the pair converse about their dream destinations. Upon reaching Hoosier Hill’s apex, they discover the elevation marker concealed in a pile of stones. Finch helps Violet reach the top. They engage in heartfelt conversation about their surroundings and emotions. Violet notices Finch's “bright-sky blue” eyes. Violet declares the location the ugliest she's ever encountered, to which Finch adds it must hold beauty for some. When she questions his reputation, he replies, “Probably.” After leaping off the hilltop hand-in-hand, they leave behind mementos including British coins, a red guitar pick, and a school keychain. “’Whether you want to or not, now we’ll always be a part of here,’” Finch tells Violet. She captures pictures and jots down some thoughts in their shared notebook as Finch earmarks future exploration spots on a map. Upon returning, Finch confesses his motive for wanting to tackle the project with her was her smile. Violet, back at her place, stumbles upon a Narnia reference on Finch’s Facebook profile. She looks up Narnia quotes and crosses off the day on her calendar.

chapter 12

During a meal with his sister Decca and their mother, Finch excitedly shares his day's discoveries. He tells them he's found goodness in the world, saying "not everyone is disappointing, including me." He also expresses how, when with the right person, heights can seem greater than they are. His mother's perplexed reaction to his revelations makes Finch understand that she's uncertain on how to relate to her kids. Despite having had a joyful day, Finch senses his mother's heartache, resulting from his father's actions, and volunteers to wash the dishes. Later, due to the heavy rain, Finch opts for a bath instead of his usual run. As he relaxes in the water, he imagines himself in a serene lake. He contemplates if it would be possible to sleep there, and his thoughts wander to Virginia Woolf's suicide note to her husband before she drowned herself in the river. Eventually, the need for breath jolts Finch back to reality. He surfaces from the water, gasping for air.

chapter 13

Violet is startled awake by her phone buzzing with the news that Theodore Finch is at the top of the Bartlett High School "most likely to commit suicide" list according to the Bartlett Dirt. She silences her phone. During a U.S. Geography class discussion about their wander projects, Violet assures Ryan, Amanda, and Roamer that she's fine working with Finch. Ryan slips her a note inviting her out on Saturday night, leaving Violet uncertain. Finch, late for class, leaves a rock with the words “Your turn” written on it for Violet. Post-class, Ryan confronts Violet about the rock out of jealousy, questioning Finch's intentions. She calms him down, explaining it's just a project. That evening, Violet learns at dinner that her parents are aware of the bell tower event, thanks to a local journalist who wants to interview her. Violet wakes from sleep, disoriented, trying to shake off a recurring nightmare of being strangled. She attempts writing on her laptop, only to erase her words. She chats with Finch on Facebook, declining his suggestions to meet at the Quarry, a local bar, or her house. He doesn't reply after her second refusal.

chapter 14

Finch turns up at Violet's place, pelting stones at her window, but to no avail. Dejectedly, he climbs into Little Bastard and drives home. Back home, Finch spends his night drafting a ten-point strategy on "How to Stay Awake," his personal code for "commitment to life." His fourth point reads "Surround myself with water." The concluding point, much to his emotional unrest, he pens down as “Violet.”

chapter 15

Violet happens upon Finch sprawled on her lawn one morning. As they pedal to school, Finch inquires about their next wandering destination. This makes Violet uneasy as she remembers her upcoming date with Ryan at the drive-in. Once at school, Violet gets a baffling text from Suze regarding Finch. Violet lets Finch know she is busy the following day. On the weekend, Violet abruptly ends a call with a reporter suggesting how she managed to save Finch but failed to save her sister. When Ryan shows up, they set off for the drive-in. Amanda and Roamer are already engrossed in each other. As Violet's attention shifts from the movie to pondering about Finch, she decides roaming with him would be more enjoyable. Avoiding Ryan's advances, she claims curfew to leave early and walk home. Ryan tags along and bids her goodnight with an awkward kiss that lands on her cheek.

chapter 16

Finch shows up at Violet's home unexpectedly, early in the morning. Violet is taken aback by her parents inviting him to join them for breakfast. Finch is interested in learning about Violet's past, leading to a shared jest about the Boy Parade incident, at Violet's expense. Once they leave the house, Violet gets on her bike, instructing Finch to follow her. However, Finch doesn't have a bike. After a brief back-and-forth, Violet, nicknamed Ultraviolet by Finch, gets into his car. While in the car, Finch encourages Violet to tell him about her tragic past. She reveals that Eleanor was her closest confidante, someone who accepted and loved her unconditionally. This concept makes Finch curious, and Violet also expresses regret about the actions of Roamer and his gang. The pair reach Bookmobile Park and meet its founder, Faye Carnes. She shows Finch around and narrates the park's history. Meanwhile, Violet is ready to buy books. As Mrs. Carnes fetches change, Violet and Finch explore the trailers. Heading back, Finch starts racing ahead of Violet. She overtakes him and they sprint towards the vehicle. Violet is the victor. Finch suggests she document their adventures before the details fade from memory.

chapter 17

Finch drives the opposite way on the highway, before steering onto a peaceful rural street. Spotting a sign marked 'Church', he declares their destination. A large factory building is in front of them, its wall filled with the phrase, "Before I die …" written repeatedly. Finch adds to the wall multiple times, leaving a space after “Before I die”. He believes it's a useful method to understand their existence. They both scribble in their respective thoughts, then share. Finch swaps his last statement “And meet Boy Parade” with “And kiss Violet Markey”. Violet secretly hopes for this, though he refrains, suggesting it's not the right time or place. He clarifies this doesn't mean affection. They later visit the Quarry, a local bar where Finch has performed. He's noticeably familiar to all. On the dance floor, Violet yells over loud music, “I don’t like you either.”

chapter 18

During the ride home, Finch queries Violet about her potential epitaph. Violet is uncertain, but Finch immediately responds with his, "Theodore Finch, in search of the Great Manifesto," which he clarifies signifies his desire "to count for something … in short, to remain a memory.” Violet questions Finch about his whereabouts on Friday. Finch nonchalantly informs her he sometimes suffers from headaches, omitting the significance of these episodes where he not only feels, but also perceives his headaches through words, colors, and sounds. Nonetheless, he assures her he is fine. Once at home, Finch screens the home voicemail messages, a task he and his sister Kate perform regularly to prevent their mother from hearing undesirable messages. Finch erases a concerned message left by Embryo. In his bedroom, Finch contemplates hanging from his ceiling, a plan that falls through due to the ceiling's low height. Finch recalls a past incident where his discussion about impending Sleep signs with Gabe Romero, a friend at the time, led to him being labeled Theodore Freak after Gabe informed their parents, and word spread to his teacher, principal and his own parents. Finch starts rearranging furniture in his room to create a smaller, cozier space, which he finds comforting when Sleep threatens to take over.

chapter 19

Finch has a conversation with Embryo, assuring him he hasn't attempted self-harm. Embryo has been reading the Bartlett Dirt and is worried about Finch. Embryo is among the few who "who pays attention.” Finch tries to reassure him by mentioning Violet, albeit as Lizzy. Embryo warns Finch to "just be careful," hinting that his joy might be short-lived and Violet Markey could shatter his heart, which enrages Finch. Embryo advises Finch to look ahead to his future, which, in Finch's mind, involves seeing Violet later that day. In the course of the school day, Finch dashes around to greet Violet before each of her lessons. Noticing this, Principal Wertz instructs Finch to get to his class. On his way up the stairs, Finch bumps into Roamer who tumbles into Amanda. Finch then races off to find Violet, who tells him he's driving her insane. Standing too close to her by her locker, Violet shuts her eyes. Upon seeing this, Mr. Kappel, the baseball coach, assigns detention to both of them. During detention, Violet avoids Finch's gaze. She informs Mr. Stohler that Finch is the reason she's in detention.

chapter 20

In the middle of the night, Violet is roused by the sound of pebbles hitting her window. It's Finch, standing outside dressed in his pajamas and hoodie. They get in a car and head to the city center to Bookmarks, the bookstore where Finch's mother is employed. Breaking in, Finch searches for a book he was unable to locate at Bookmobile Park: Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You’ll Go. They discover the book and engage in reading, acting, singing, and even dancing their way through the rhymes. From there, they journey to Purina Tower, ascending its vast flight of 25,000 stairs. They sit down on a blanket, basking in the scenic view. Striving to find the right words, Violet finally manages to describe it as “It’s lovely.” They engage in a conversation about writing and life in general. Suddenly, Finch rises to his feet, shouting into the void about all his dislikes and all that he wishes to alter in his world. He then turns to Violet, encouraging her to do the same. She stands beside him at the rail, gripping his shirt, possibly to prevent him from toppling over. As she ponders on what she should yell, they start singing lines from Dr. Seuss once again. When they eventually return home, Violet yearns for Finch to kiss her. But he refrains.

chapter 21

Finch, Kate, and Decca are at their father's residence. Their dad is in a foul mood, secluded in the basement. Deciding to address him, Finch gets violently pushed into the wall by his father. The rest of the evening passes in silence, punctuated only by dinner. Seeking solace, Finch retreats to Little Bastard in his garage. He considers ending his life using exhaust, but changes his mind, opening the garage door and embarking on a drive. He arrives at Mudlavia after two and a half hours of driving, in search of calming waters hoping to alleviate his mental anguish. He finds a stream, drinks from it, and immerses himself in its cool embrace. Back at home, Finch and Kate exchange a few words. She speculates whether he spent time with Violet, warning him to be cautious. In Decca's room, Finch aids her in a peculiar task of excising negative sections from books. When questioned, Decca explains her belief that negativity shouldn't contaminate the positive. "They like to trick you." Finch retreats to his room with a stack of the altered books, reading the remaining passages described as "happy, sweet, funny and warm." He adorns his wall with the best words and lines. As he settles under his comforter, he ponders on a life filled only with happy moments.

chapter 22

In her room on a Sunday evening, Violet records their visits to the Bookmarks and Purina Tower in the roaming journal. Recalling Finch's remark about the underutilization of the word "lovely", she is struck by inspiration. She empties her notice board and sticks a Post-it with "lovely" written on it. She spends the next thirty minutes populating the board with additional words and phrases, such as "Lit. Love. Life.". There's even a section dedicated to the "New Nameless Web Magazine". She captures the board's transformation with a photo to share with Finch. However, Finch doesn't reply by the time she turns in for the night.

chapter 23

Finch reflects on the perplexing events of the previous night, his anxiety evident in his erratic heartbeat and distracted thoughts. Seeking a fresh perspective, he sets about tidying his room, removing the notes from his wall. He judges the room's color too dark and buys primer and a vibrant shade of blue from a nearby store. Despite multiple layers of paint, hints of the previous red hue persist. With the paint still drying, Finch retires to bed at the stroke of midnight. Following two days of relentless painting, the walls are now completely transformed to blue, while the ceiling retains its original white. Subsequently, Finch turns to his computer and sends an affectionate note to Violet: “You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.”

chapter 24

After a week of absence, Finch's disappearance from school has sparked a swirl of gossips. Troy Satterfield teases Violet about her missing boyfriend and even jests about suicide watch. Worried, Violet vocalizes her fear to friends Charlie and Brenda. Charlie dismissively remarks that it's typical Finch behavior. On the following day, Violet spots Finch in school. His unkempt appearance and engagement with another girl make her uncomfortable. During a fire drill later, Finch sneaks up on Violet and challenges her to a silent race to the parking lot. He adds a twist - the loser must streak back to school. The race culminates near a river where they spot a crane. Finch breaks the silence, loses the bet, and undresses for a swim. He invites Violet, referring to her as Ultraviolet Remarkey-able, to join him, insisting that the "water's great". As Violet questions Finch's week-long absence, he vaguely mentions some remodeling. Suddenly, they're interrupted by Ryan, Roamer, and Joe Wyatt. After a barrage of insults, a fight breaks out that ends with Finch holding Roamer under the water. Violet's shout breaks the tension and Finch releases Roamer. With a bloodied face, Finch storms away without a backward glance. Instead of returning home, Violet visits Finch's house. Finding his room locked, she attempts to pick the lock but fails. Seeing her struggle, Kate suggests that Finch could be out running, stating, "You never can tell what that boy’s going to do."

chapter 25

Finch observes Violet as she departs on her bicycle from his view. He browses through all their Facebook exchanges. Despite his attempts to read The Wave and another book, he reminds himself, “I will stay awake. I will not sleep." The thought of confiding in his mother about his emotional state crosses his mind, but he dismisses it, expecting her usual advice to take some Advil. He's likely to be reminded of his sensitive nature, citing the incident from his childhood when a cardinal bird repeatedly rammed into the glass door until it died. Finch doesn't want to revisit the story of the cardinal. To him, everything dies eventually, be it marriages, love, or people, especially if you're a Finch. Before heading out for a run, Finch assures Kate that everything is perfectly fine. Upon returning, he finds his room's ceiling too stark and proceeds to paint it blue.

chapter 26

Violet arrives home to her disappointed parents who learned about her early school departure from Principal Wertz. She confesses to quitting all her activities as she feels she's not good at anything anymore, including writing, which she once excelled at. Her parents believe she's rebelling, leading Violet to escape to her room. Her mother follows her, inquiring about the fate of EleanorandViolet.com and the note about the New Nameless Web Magazine on her wall. Violet admits it's nothing more than a vague concept. Violet's mother, quoting Pearl S. Buck, suggests that even a vague concept could be enough. Mother and daughter discuss potential magazine ideas and Finch, who Violet reveals is her only friend. They also consider who could contribute to the writing of this new magazine, Germ. Violet informs Finch via Facebook that their adventures may be over. As she's about to sleep, she realizes she's forgotten to mark her calendar, a first for her. She hesitates briefly before tearing down the calendar and discarding it in her closet. She then ventures into Eleanor's room and places her glasses on the dresser, glasses she had been using.

chapter 27

Violet encounters Finch at her breakfast table, in deep discussion with her parents about the prior day's occurrences. They've managed to establish a few guidelines for their ongoing wander project, one of which involves Finch providing his parents' contact info. However, Finch falsely claims that his father deserted him when he was just ten. Finch is questioned by Violet's mom about his future academic pursuits. Violet pays close attention, curious about his life aspirations. Finch completes a Vedic hymn that Violet's dad is reciting, ending with the phrase, “Or go to the waters if it suits thee there," indicating his fondness for water. After breakfast, Violet confronts Finch outside about his dishonesty with her parents. Finch responds that sometimes things feel accurate even if they're not.

chapter 28

Finch and Violet’s adventure continues to John Ivers’ backyard in rural Indiana, where he has constructed two single-seater rollercoasters, the Blue Flash and the Blue Too. Ivers designed these thrill rides in order to experience a constant “thrill of impending, weightless doom”, a sensation Finch associates with his feelings for Violet. They take turns riding the Blue Flash, their excitement leading to multiple rides. After leaving their belongings, they head back. On the journey home, Finch confesses to Violet, or Ultraviolet Remarkey-able as he calls her, that he admires everything about her. In a spontaneous moment, he abruptly exits the highway, pulls Violet from the vehicle and kisses her. He attempts to escalate the situation, but Violet retreats. He assures her, “Someday, Ultraviolet.” Once Finch returns home, he can't stop creating. Suddenly, he experiences “this strange fold in time,” which results in an impromptu run to the neighboring town. On his walk back, his thoughts drift to the “elegance and euphoria” of the Julijonas Urbonas’ Euthanasia Coaster, and he realizes these words also describe his feelings for Violet. At this point, Finch yearns to be “the boy she sees” and alters his epitaph to “The Boy Violet Markey Loves.”

chapter 29

On the baseball field, Charlie and Finch discuss Finch's recent transformation from Badass Finch to Dirtbag Finch and the impact Violet's had on his life. During a game, Roamer sends a ball flying towards them, but Charlie effortlessly catches it, catching the eye of Mr. Kappel, the coach, who's eager to have him on the team. Later, Gabe Romero attempts to instigate a fight with Finch in the locker room. However, Finch dismisses him, considering Violet's disapproval. Unexpectedly, Roamer takes a swipe at Finch. Mr. Kappel intervenes, allowing Finch to leave. Overhearing Mr. Kappel lecturing Roamer, Finch feels a sense of gratification. Upon reaching his locker, Finch discovers a rock labeled "Your turn" atop his books, which makes him contemplate about Violet, the lock picker.

chapter 30

Violet has a session with Mrs. Kresney and honestly shares that she hasn't been troubled by nightmares recently. In her Russian Literature class, she doesn't have to use her special circumstances excuse for a lengthy assignment given by Mrs. Mahone. Afterward, Ryan informs Violet that he has invited Suze for a date, and also reveals the altercation between Finch and Roamer in the changing room, noticing that Finch didn't fight back. At lunchtime, Violet avoids her usual group of Roamer, Amanda, and others, and instead requests to sit with Brenda Shank-Kravitz and her friends. She engages in their discussion. Brenda warns Violet about Gabe Romero being a bad influence, and they solidify their agreement by clinking their drinks together.

chapter 31

Their adventure continues, serving as a cover for Violet to get closer to Finch. When she inquires about Roamer, Finch dismisses her curiosity, stating he isn't worth discussing. They share intimate moments until they near Someday. A mysterious parcel addressed to Ultraviolet is found on Violet's porch on Sunday, containing a set of goggles. Unaware that she is echoing Eleanor’s words, Violet's mother suggests that perhaps Finch is more than just a friend, adding, “Maybe in time. There’s always time.” Curious about the goggles, Violet thanks Finch via message, questioning their purpose. He playfully suggests they'll be used on the first warm day.

chapter 32

A snowstorm shuts down the school for two days. During this time, Violet and Finch craft a large snowman they dub Mr. Black at Violet's home and enjoy the warmth of the fire with her parents. Pretending to be part of their family, Finch takes Violet on a Valentine's Day date to his preferred dining spot, Happy Family. As the first signs of spring emerge, the duo visits the local Blue Hole, a vast lake in their town. They stand at the lake's edge as Finch shares local folklore about the lake's bottomless depth and its mystical power to drag you into another world. According to Finch, they are fortunate to have such a magical lake within reach. The pair undress and Violet dares Finch to test the lake's depth. When asked about her greatest fears, she admits, “Dying. Losing my parents. Staying here for the rest of my life. Never figuring out what I’m supposed to do. Being ordinary. Losing everyone I love.” When she poses the same question to Finch, he refuses to answer directly, simply stating, “I’m not.” They then plunge into the deep lake. Submerged in the water, Violet marvels at Finch's breath-holding capacity which he credits to practice. As they play a game of Marco Polo, Finch shares the story of his parents' divorce at Violet's request. Promising to look for the lake's bottom, he dives deep into the water. Finch dives so deep into the heavy water that Violet fears he has drowned. When he finally resurfaces, she expresses her fear and anger, to which he encourages her to vent her pent-up emotions. Opening up about her internal rage, she finds comfort in his arms until he suddenly withdraws, insisting she deserves better. Finch finally reveals the truth behind his stomach scar, attributing it to his father's violent episodes. With a tender confession, Finch tells Violet, “Ultraviolet Remarkey-able, I think I love you.” The chapter ends with a romantic kiss between them by the Blue Hole.

chapter 33

After Violet has taken a shower at Finch's place, she spends time in his blue room awaiting his turn. Once Finch is done, he probes her about her intentions on the ledge that day. Violet's response is, "the same thing you were." She had been there to envision the sensation of leaping off, a thought interrupted by the sight of Finch. In a whirl of emotions, Finch twirls Violet around the room, sharing a kiss. Their closeness intensifies, leading to the shedding of their towels.

chapter 34

Finch believes Violet is unique, more than just the sum of her biological parts, and he fears that her distinct qualities might break down one day. They share a moment of intimacy, with a love song subtly playing in the background. Later, still in the embrace of their bed, Violet expresses a need to return home. Finch takes a detour to the Purina Tower, where they ascend to the summit. Here, Finch shares the tale of British astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore, and his invention of the Jovian-Plutonian gravitational effect, a celestial occurrence that supposedly causes one to float when Jupiter and Pluto intersect. Finch admits this was nothing more than an April Fool's hoax. Nonetheless, he shares it with Violet because it mirrors his current feelings: "Like Pluto and Jupiter are aligned with the earth and I’m floating." Violet appreciates his sentiments, claiming them to be the kindest words anyone has ever said to her. They end up falling asleep, wrapped together under a blanket.

chapter 35

Violet wakes up to the realization that her parents are oblivious of her whereabouts. Frantically, they race back to her home. Despite Finch's attempts to calm the situation, Violet's father firmly asks him to leave. When alone with her parents, they express their concerns about Finch, describing him as troubled and advising her to distance herself from him. They reveal that the previous night's search led them to discover Finch's lie about his father and his involvement in the bell tower incident. Feeling misunderstood, Violet accuses her parents of not trusting her and suggests they might as well confine her to ease their worries. They respond by prohibiting her from meeting Finch and planning to request her teacher for an alternative assignment to the explorative project she's been working on with Finch. Under her breath, Violet mutters, Extenuating Circumstances. As evening settles, Violet anxiously watches from her window, hoping for Finch's appearance. She's prepared to elope if he shows up, but he never does.

chapter 36

When Finch returns home, he encounters his father who flings him across the room. In defiance, Finch declares he no longer feels his father's physical abuse and warns him against further violence. Alone in his room, Finch contacts Violet, expressing his remorse and acknowledging the beauty of a perfect day she has introduced him to. The following day, Finch tries to explain the circumstances to Violet's parents at their residence, but they turn him away. Back home, he realizes their joint website, EleanorandViolet.com, has disappeared. He reaches out to Violet, who advises patience with her parents. He starts to reply about his lack of time, but decides against sending the message.

chapter 37

Finch relocates his living space to his closet, dubbing it as Finch Survival Boot Camp, a familiar territory for him. His thoughts wander to the concept of sinking in quicksand and he reflects on the Eight Steps to Surviving Quicksand. Applying this metaphor to his life, he believes that following these steps might help him navigate his current predicament.

chapter 38

Violet, back in school, feels as though everyone knows about her loss of virginity. Only Brenda figures it out and reassures her that Finch won't disclose their secret. Violet invites Brenda to contribute to Germ and she accepts. Throughout the week, Violet shares stolen kisses with Finch under the school stairwells. They also communicate via messages at night. Finch is eager for Violet's parents to let go of their grudge against him. Violet maintains that they just need more time. On a particular Saturday, Violet sneaks into Finch's house via the fire escape, after lying to her parents about visiting Amanda. They spend the day confined in his bedroom, discussing the myriad places they'd like to make love, referring to it as Wander-mania. Suddenly, Violet is shocked by a familiar sensation; that Finch has momentarily veered "behind a curtain". Although the feeling is fleeting, it makes her stay longer.

chapter 39

Violet, accompanied by her mom and dad, sets out for NYU. She is filled with anxiety as Finch has yet to reply to her recent texts. The burden of her parents' hopes and the sadness of not having Eleanor to share the college tour experience with weighs heavy on her. Later in the evening, she crafts a note to Finch, borrowing words from Virginia Woolf.

chapter 40

Finch and Decca spend time assisting their mother with gardening tasks before heading to their father's place for the final weekend of Spring break. Despite Decca's reluctance to visit, Finch convinces her by saying it matters to their father, "even though he doesn't show it." Unable to escape, Finch messages Violet that he’s “currently in hell.” He interacts with Josh Raymond at his father's house where his father, appearing uncharacteristically cheerful, proposes that Finch invite Violet. Finch declines, stating she’s occupied on Sundays. Heading home, Finch aimlessly drives around in Little Bastard. Along his route back to town, he disembarks and starts sprinting, muttering to himself, “It will be alright, it will be okay.” He ends up knocking on the door of a farmhouse nearby a nursery. He apologizes to the occupant, Margaret Ann, and requests to pick some flowers for his girlfriend, explaining it's a crisis as winter is coming and he isn't sure where he'll be in spring. Margaret Ann's spouse, Henry, offers Finch a ride back to his vehicle. He then proceeds to Violet's residence, where she emerges outside. Handing her the flowers, Finch signifies the end of her winter. Violet acknowledges this by telling Finch, “You brought me spring.”

chapter 41

In the midst of his academic routine, Finch finds his focus wavering, his internal turmoil seeping into his everyday. Even Charlie catches onto Finch's feigned cheeriness during lunch, worried about his friend's well-being. In the middle of his U.S. Geography lesson, Finch's mind is elsewhere, consumed by his introspection. He scribbles on a piece of paper, careful to keep it hidden from Violet. The paper is filled with various aspects of his life, both good and bad. Yet, the act of writing it down only weighs him down more. He walks Violet to her class, masking his pain with a smile and a kiss, not wanting her to see his vulnerability. Later, Finch is tardy for his meeting with Embryo. When asked about his troubles, Finch fabricates a story about his father, only to realize he's trapped in his own lie about his father's demise. Unconsciously, Finch vocalizes the suicide note of Vladimir Mayakovski, alarming Embryo. Embryo broaches the topic of bipolar disorder and manic depression, making Finch feel like he's just another case study. Despite this, Embryo reassures him that he's not alone. When Roamer insults Finch by calling him ‘Freak’ the next day, Finch reacts violently. He chokes Roamer until bystanders intervene. Once torn away from Roamer, Finch firmly warns him against using the derogatory term again.

chapter 42

Finch contacts Violet while she's in her third class of the day. He reveals his expulsion and proposes a trip together to the Nest Houses located south of Evansville. Violet suggests postponing the trip until Saturday, to which Finch responds that he prefers to venture alone. After abruptly ending the call, Violet is left puzzled about Finch's behaviour.

chapter 43

Finch can't locate the Nest Houses, leading him back home, where he observes his reflection starting to vanish. He proceeds into his closet, careful not to disturb the enveloping darkness. He hears a voicemail from Mr. Embry, revealing his concern for Finch's wellbeing. Finch erases the message and retreats back to his closet, fearful that Violet will discover his innermost thoughts, "I am broken. I am a fraud. I am impossible to love." He's scared of being labeled as bipolar. His presence at dinner goes unnoticed. He retrieves sleeping pills from his mother's medicine cabinet and consumes a few in his room. He contemplates whether he'll feel the same sense of relief as Cesare Pavese, but doesn't. Finch attempts to reverse his action, trying to vomit in the bathroom, to no avail. He rushes to the hospital, confessing his actions before losing consciousness. After regaining consciousness, he fills out hospital paperwork, a smile breaking out as he realizes he's still alive, jotting down Josh Raymond, age 17 on the form.

chapter 44

Finch is present at a Life Is Life gathering in Ohio, having kept his distance from Violet. He meets Demetrius, the facilitator, and regretfully considers his decision to turn up. When asked to complete the sentence, "____ is life," Finch answers with an astronomical term. The meeting is joined by a latecomer who avoids looking at Finch. She introduces herself as Rachel and admits to being bulimic and making two suicide attempts. "Secrecy is life," Rachel states, staring at Finch. Finch later identifies Rachel as Amanda Monk. Listening to the others in the group share their experiences leaves Finch heartbroken, each of them a suicide survivor. After the meeting, he encounters Amanda and pledges not to disclose her secret. She admits she still contemplates suicide, which is why she attends these sessions. She reassures Finch that he isn't the only one struggling with these feelings.

chapter 45

Having not received any communication from Finch for several days, Violet decides to pay him a visit using her mother's car. She meets Finch's mother for the first time at his place, and it becomes apparent to her that Finch's expulsion is unbeknownst to his mother. They engage in casual conversation in the kitchen, alongside Finch's sister Kate, while everything appears perfectly normal. Upon finding Finch in his room upstairs, he admits to still feeling unwell. He then invites Violet into his special space - his closet - where he claims his thinking becomes clearer. In this space, he introduces her to his 'positive wall' and 'negative wall', which they both contribute to by adding words and phrases on Post-it notes. In the heat of the moment, they make love, carry on with their conversation and continue adding notes to the wall. Finch opens up to Violet about his recurring depressive states which he finds difficult to overcome. He narrates to her the tale of the cardinal in their backyard and how its death triggered his initial bout of depression. Finch reveals to Violet that he has not confided in his parents about his depressive episodes but has been seeking help from a school counselor. He implores Violet to keep this a secret, promising to do the same with hers.

chapter 46

Finch recites a line from Cesare Pavese, revealing he is "in pieces."

chapter 47

Amanda informs Violet while at school that she spotted Finch at the Life Is Life group gathering, where he confided in her about his pill ingestion. Following school, Violet drives Leroy to Finch's residence, only to find him absent. Once she returns home, she sends him a message to which he promptly replies, disclosing that the next day is his birthday. Violet contemplates addressing what Amanda mentioned but refrains. Instead, he invites her to his place at 6 p.m. the following day to celebrate his birthday.

chapter 48

In his bedroom, Finch guides Violet to his closet, instructing her to keep her eyes shut. When she opens them, she's greeted by a cosmic spectacle. The walls and ceiling are adorned with painted celestial bodies, creating a scene that echoes the Emerald City. They enjoy a light meal and vodka while sitting amidst this spectacle. Violet gives Finch a first-edition of The Waves as a birthday gift, complete with a personal note. They discuss the concept of black holes as explained by Sir Patrick Moore while lying in the closet. Violet likens this to a blue hole, but Finch finds the idea of being absorbed by a black hole to be a rather thrilling way to die. Upon hearing this, Violet tears up, revealing that she knows about Finch’s pill stash, as disclosed by Amanda. Finch swiftly dismisses his need for help and insists that Violet can't save him. He becomes visibly upset, causing Violet to depart in frustration. Violet later admits to her parents that Finch was her savior on the ledge, and that he now finds himself in a similar predicament. She discloses all the details, prompting her mother to try and contact Finch's mother. Over the next few days, both Violet and her parents attempt to contact Finch, who is missing from school due to expulsion. Left without any replies from Finch, Violet visits his house. She finds his room vacant and begins looking for any hints of his location. Decca assures her that Finch occasionally disappears but always returns. Violet is left puzzled and concerned about the seeming lack of concern for Finch's actions and wellbeing. She leaves one more voicemail for Finch on her way out.

chapter 49

Finch contemplates a line from Robert Lowell's "Epilogue", asking, “Yet why not say what happened?” However, he is unable to express himself, perplexed by the blur between his genuine and fabricated emotions. He is haunted by the cardinal's demise and his guilt associated with it. He recalls the words of Cesare Pavese before his demise, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” The moments he shared with Violet remain etched in Finch's memory.

chapter 50

Violet gets a message from Finch stating, “they were all perfect days.” She can't reach him initially. When he replies, he assures her he's fine: “Not missing at all. Found.” She inquires, “Where are you?” but gets no answer. Finch's mother assures Violet's mom that Finch has contacted her, is well, and will be away temporarily. At school, Violet seems to be the only one still concerned about Finch. She performs at an orchestra concert and spearheads Germ's inaugural gathering, attracting twenty-two participants. She attempts to leave Finch a voicemail but his inbox is full. Her concern turns into anger. After two days, she gets more texts from Finch, which continue sporadically over the following days. The final message is: “A lake. A prayer. It’s so lovely to be lovely in Private.” Then, all communication ceases.

chapter 51

Violet, accompanied by her parents, pays a visit to the A Street Bridge where they discover a mini garden. Despite losing Eleanor a year prior, they're making it through. Once back home, Violet finds herself reflecting on Germ, and her motivation to launch a magazine. She ponders on Finch, Amanda, and the crossed-out days on her calendar, choosing to leave those days in the past. “Germ Magazine. You start here,” she pens on her wall. Although Violet hasn't seen Finch since March, she is attempting to move forward. She purchases a new map, borrows her mother's car, and goes for a drive, all the while wondering what Finch's reaction would be. When Ryan invites Violet out, she agrees, letting him kiss her. She spends time with Amanda at the Quarry, dancing with others including Brenda and Lara. Violet and Brenda, who later in the week also spend time at the movies and working on Germ, are growing close.

chapter 52

Violet is surprised by a visit from Kate, who is worried because she hasn't heard from Finch as usual. She presents a recent email from Finch to Violet who admits they don't communicate now. In her bedroom, Violet sees a Facebook message from Finch, quoting a passage from The Waves. She responds but doesn't receive a reply. She contacts Brenda and learns she and Charlie also received eerie emails from Finch earlier that day. Anxious, Violet rushes to Finch's residence and reveals to Kate that Finch has messaged them. She recounts how she and Finch were exchanging quotes from a Virginia Woolf novel. Kate suggests that perhaps Finch is in New York, as he recently got early acceptance into NYU. Violet learns that Finch had deleted messages from her mother. Violet ventures into Finch's room, rummaging through his belongings for any indications of his whereabouts. Connecting the dots, she suspects he returned to a place they used to visit - a location near water. On sharing her theory, Finch's mother urges Violet to find him and "bring him home."

chapter 53

Violet contacts her parents before she starts driving. She has a clear destination in mind and has an idea of what awaits her. Finding Little Bastard, Violet stops her car behind it and heads to the water's edge. She is struck by its blue color, reminiscent of Finch's eyes. She discovers his neatly folded clothes, his dead phone and the map they had in his jacket. With determination, Violet plunges into the water, swimming back and forth in a desperate search, knowing in her heart that Finch is gone. Once back on land, she calls 911, clutching onto a belief that "He’s not nowhere. He’s not dead. He just found that other world.” As she waits, the sheriff and other emergency personnel arrive. Divers join the search and retrieve a body that is “swollen, and bloated, and blue.” Despite everything, Violet insists it's not him. However, she dials Mrs. Finch, telling her Finch has been located. She repeatedly whispers, “I’m so sorry.” The sheriff takes her phone away gently. Violet lies back on the earth, looking at the sky as she says, “May your eye go to the Sun, To the wind your soul … You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.”

chapter 54

Violet dons Finch's black shirt, her reflection in the mirror seemingly altered. She snaps a photo of herself and ponders how unrecognizable she is in her After, compared to her Before. At the wake, Violet is flanked by her parents, Brenda, and Charlie. Brenda's anger is palpable, directed at the hypocritical mourners who belittled Finch as a "freak" and disregarded him, but now feign sadness. Throughout the sermon, the priest omits the term "suicide." Internally, Violet communicates with Finch, acknowledging that he taught her to truly appreciate life. She chides him for leaving. Once the ceremony concludes, Finch's parents envelop Violet in an embrace. Violet's father, stone-faced, intervenes and insists on taking her home. Later at the dinner table, the resentment of Violet's parents towards Finch and his family is evident. In the privacy of her room, Violet goes to her closet to retrieve her neglected calendar. She flips it open to the unmarked days, days she had spent with Finch.

chapter 55

A picture of Finch has been enlarged and put up at school, with notes scattered around it. Violet feels a strong urge to rip them down, her emotions swinging between numb and empty. During lunch, Amanda approaches Violet, extending an apology for her past derogatory remarks about Finch and informing her of her breakup with Roamer. Violet later meets with Mr. Embry, who, while not admitting full responsibility, acknowledges that Finch needed more assistance than he got. Both Violet and Mr. Embry express their regret over not having done more. Mr. Embry reassures Violet that she's a survivor and the worst part is over now. He gifts her a book, SOS: A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide, which makes her realize she's a changed person now. After a few days, Violet seeks Amanda's insight on what it feels like to contemplate suicide. Amanda equates it to a consuming darkness, and credits Violet for Finch's attempts to improve his situation. Back in U.S. Geography, when Mr. Black tries to ease her academic workload considering her circumstances, Violet insists she's capable of handling it. She takes time to go through all her past Facebook interactions with Finch and pens down her feelings in their notebook, concluding with, "You saved my life. Why couldn't I save yours?" Later, she retrieves their map, where five more places are left to be discovered by her to complete their journey.

chapter 56

Violet stops at a crossroad near Milltown, lined with shoe-laden trees on every corner. She hangs two pairs of shoes, one her own and another Eleanor's, inscribed with the date and Ultraviolet Remarkey-able. Spotting shoes with fluorescent laces bearing the initials TF, she recalls a text from Finch, "I am on the highest branch." She realizes where she must go next. Soon, Violet finds herself at the World’s Biggest Ball of Paint. The founder of the project, Mike Carmichael, lets her into the barn housing a massive yellow-painted ball. Mike recalls Finch and presents the ‘Violet’ labelled paint can he used. Over the yellow, Violet adds a layer of blue. As she departs, Mike requests her to sign his book. She spots Finch’s incomplete Dr. Seuss quote and completes it after adding her own entry. Back home, Violet initiates a painful but necessary conversation with her parents about Eleanor. They weep, embrace and assure one another, “It’s okay. We’re okay. We’re all okay.”

chapter 57

Violet travels next to Pendleton Pike Drive-In where she spots Finch’s written words on the screen's side: “I was here. TF.” She leaves her mark as well: “I was here too. VM.” Her journey continues to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery. Navigating through the shrine’s grottos, she exchanges a simple rock on Jesus's palm with her own unique offering. On her way out, she compliments the friar on the stunning black-light room. The friar informs her that the spectacle of the Ultraviolet Apocalypse attracts visitors from all over. Inspecting the rock she took from the shrine, she reads: “Your turn.” Returning home, Violet examines the map. Finch has secretly added one more destination. His last text serves as her hint: A lake. A prayer. It’s so lovely to be lovely in Private.

chapter 58

Violet embarks on a journey to Farmsburg, unsure of her destination. She locates the lake she's searching for off a private road. At the road's end, she sees a sign for Taylor Prayer Chapel. A note inside the chapel describes it as a refuge for exhausted travelers, established in memory of people who died in car accidents, for healing purposes. Inside the chapel, Violet discovers an envelope wedged in the Bible, labeled Ultraviolet Remarkey-able. Overwhelmed with emotions, she commits to memory the message written on sheet music within the envelope. One sheet is filled with musical notes which she later plays on her flute at home. The melody resonates with her deeply. Despite not recording videos, collecting mementos, or assembling their project for public understanding, Violet understands that it's alright. The essence is not in what you take, but in "what you leave."

chapter 59

Violet finds herself at the Blue Hole, submerging herself underwater and keeping her sight sharp. Her thoughts wander to Cesare Pavese, the poet who took too many sleeping pills. She reflects on Natalia Ginzburg’s tribute to Pavese after his passing, thinking it would have been an apt memorial for Finch. Yet, Violet has crafted her own memory for Finch: "Theodore Finch—I was alive. I burned brightly. And then I died, but not really. Because someone like me cannot, will not, die like everyone else. I linger like the legends of the Blue Hole. I will always be here, in the offerings and people I left behind.” Treading water beneath the expansive blue horizon, she is consumed by how everything brings him to mind, and of her own memory, yet to be penned. She ponders over all the unexplored corners she has yet to visit. “No longer rooted, but gold, flowing. I feel a thousand capacities spring up in me.”

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