Chapter 24 Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways

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

Summary

The chapter opens with Chani and Gabe sharing a picnic lunch on the stage of the theatre, their meal lit by a single ghost light on a stand. From this vantage point, Chani remarks that the building needs significant work. Gabe responds casually, noting that he has money and a business partner—Ollie—who has even more. Chani realizes that this trip was always about Gabe and Ollie making plans for the theatre, not just about the interview. Gabe admits that was the original plan, but says her unexpected appearance at the restaurant changed things. He teases her about her earlier questions, then softens the jab by saying her questions have improved considerably.

Gabe then pivots to a more personal topic: he asks what happened to the dragons—referring to the only piece of fiction Chani has ever published. Chani deflects, joking that dragons don't exist, but Gabe presses. She admits that fiction isn't what people want from her, and imagines the reaction of her agent and editor if she proposed a book about dragons, witches, and fairy tales instead of the third essay collection they've been requesting. Gabe suggests that the right agent and editor would at least want to read what she came up with.

Chani then reveals that her ex-husband Jeremy didn't think the fiction idea was good. Gabe's dry response implies he doesn't value Jeremy's opinion. Chani defends Jeremy as a successful writer, but Gabe counters that she is too. Finally, Chani admits out loud—for the first time—that she's scared. Gabe acknowledges the fear and asks what the worst that could happen is.

This question triggers a long flashback. Chani recalls a party in Brooklyn celebrating a friend's book release, attended by many of Jeremy's