Chapter 13: Colored Skies and Frozen Kisses – Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Complete Chapter Summary

Savannah speaks with her parents before the group bus trip to see the northern lights. During the ride she reflects on her growing feelings for Cael and how he has gently entered her guarded heart. She recalls a CBT session with Leo and realizes she is finally willing to try to move forward. At the viewing site, the aurora borealis appears in green, blue, and a distinctive pink ribbon. Savannah cries, feeling Poppy's presence and believing the pink light is her sister. Back at the hotel, she writes in her journal, then sneaks out with Cael after curfew. He takes her to a snow-covered beach. There they share their first kiss, and both confess they are falling for each other. Under falling snow, they talk about grief, faith, and Cael's brother Cillian. Savannah tells Cael he is not alone.

Key Events

Savannah calls her parents before the bus departs; they encourage her and ask her to call her sister Ida.
On the bus, Savannah observes Cael sleeping and reflects on her changed perception of him.
The group arrives at a remote viewing spot; the northern lights appear in vibrant colors.
Savannah sees a pink ribbon of light she interprets as a sign from Poppy.
After returning to the hotel, Savannah writes a letter to Poppy in her journal.
Cael knocks on her door at 4 a.m. and leads her to a snowy beach.
They share their first kiss; Cael says "I'm falling for you" and Savannah reciprocates.
As snow falls, Cael admits he feels numb; Savannah shares her belief that Poppy is among the stars.
The chapter ends with them embracing, determined to hold on to what they've found.

Character Development

Savannah shows significant growth by allowing herself to feel joy and wonder without guilt. She vocalizes her private belief about Poppy being a star, something she has never told anyone. Her willingness to break curfew and act on impulse marks a departure from her rule-following nature.

Cael begins to open up about his brother Cillian. He admits that anger was the only emotion that made him feel alive, and he worries he is still numb to happiness. His vulnerable confession about feeling alone is a major step forward. His gentle treatment of Savannah throughout the chapter reveals the sensitivity beneath his tough exterior.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Northern Lights symbolize connection between the living and the dead. Savannah sees the pink ribbon as Poppy visiting her, and the display reaffirms her belief that there is something beyond this life.

Stars serve as a recurring link to Poppy. Savannah has long imagined her sister among the stars, and now she openly shares this with Cael, turning a private comfort into a shared truth.

Snow and Cold contrast with warmth. The freezing setting highlights the warmth of human connection—Cael's body heat, the hot chocolate, the emotional fire of their kiss.

First Kiss represents trust and vulnerability. For Savannah, it is her first kiss ever, and for both characters it marks the beginning of a new emotional bond.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is the emotional turning point of the book. Savannah and Cael's relationship moves from tentative friendship to romantic commitment. Simultaneously, both characters confront their grief more directly: Savannah by accepting Poppy's presence in the lights, and Cael by speaking about his brother's suicide and his numbness. The chapter sets up the central question of whether they can heal together while still honoring their individual losses.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Savannah believe the pink ribbon of light is specifically Poppy?
Savannah associates the cherry-blossom-pink color with Poppy because Poppy was vibrant, bright, and lived boldly. The uniqueness of the pink light among the green and blue makes Savannah feel it is a personal message from her sister.

2. How does Cael's admission about feeling numb change the dynamic between him and Savannah?
Cael's confession that part of him is numb and that he held onto anger because it was better than nothing shows Savannah that he is still deeply wounded. Instead of pushing him away, she reassures him he is not alone, which deepens their emotional intimacy and mutual trust.

3. What does Savannah mean when she says "grief makes you feel isolated and alone. But the truth is, it's the least lonely state to be in"?
She realizes that the vast number of stars reflects the millions of people who have also lost loved ones. Grief connects people universally. This insight helps her feel less alone and allows her to offer that same comfort to Cael.