Chapter Thirty-Five: Harriet – 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.

Summary

Three days before Christmas, Harriet tries to act cheerful for Nolan’s sake. She wants him to move into his afterlife without guilt, even though saying goodbye will devastate her. They avoid discussing the deadline by celebrating early with Chinese food and blankets by the fireplace. Nolan gives Harriet a gift in an old tackle box: a hand-knit scarf that matches his mittens. She gives him a compass she found at the shop—the one he hid under a jam crate. When Nolan touches the compass, it points at Harriet, confirming she is the key to moving him forward. His magic begins pulling him away. He admits he does not want to go and begs for more time. Harriet asks him to kiss her and say he will see her tomorrow, just like their first night. He does, and then he vanishes in a shower of gold sparks. Alone on the floor, Harriet clings to his name, hoping she will not forget him.

Key Events

Harriet and Nolan celebrate Christmas early with Chinese food and a fire.
Nolan gives Harriet a scarf he claims is from 1978, but his initials are stitched on it.
Harriet gives Nolan a compass she discovered at the shop; he recognizes it as his own.
When Nolan holds the compass, the arrow points at Harriet, confirming she is the key to his transition.
Nolan admits he hid the compass under a jam crate because he did not want to be taken away.
His magic intensifies, physically pulling him away against his will.
Unable to stay, Nolan kisses Harriet and says he will see her tomorrow.
Nolan vanishes in gold sparks, leaving Harriet alone.

Character Development

Harriet confronts her deepest fear—losing Nolan—while maintaining her commitment to helping him move on. She chooses to be present for his departure even though it breaks her heart, showing her maturity and selflessness. Her final act of chanting his name reflects a desperate hope to preserve his memory.

Nolan reveals his vulnerability and resistance to leaving. By hiding the compass and admitting he does not want to go, he shows that his connection to Harriet has become more important than his own peace. His gift of the scarf—with his initials—is a selfish act of love, wanting her to carry a piece of him even after he is gone.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Compass – A symbol of purpose and direction. It points only toward Harriet, affirming that she is the one who can guide Nolan forward. His attempt to hide it represents his denial of the inevitable.
The Scarf – Represents Nolan’s desire to leave a tangible part of himself behind. The initials NC show his need to be remembered, even if only through an object.
Gold Sparks – Nolan’s magic becomes visible and uncontrollable as he is pulled away, externalizing his internal struggle and the finality of his departure.
The Hourglass Motif – Though not explicitly named in this chapter, the sense of running out of time permeates every interaction, from Harriet’s forced cheerfulness to Nolan’s plea for more time.
Denial and Acceptance – Both characters oscillate between pretending the deadline does not exist and facing the truth head-on. The gift exchange forces them into acceptance.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter delivers the emotional climax of Nolan’s arc and the central conflict of the novel. The compass revelation confirms what Harriet suspected: she is the mechanism for his transition. By choosing to let him go even as he resists, Harriet completes her role as the person who helps the broken and forgotten move on. The chapter also deepens the tragedy of their love story, as Nolan’s final gift and confession show that he could have loved her forever given more time. The ending sets up the possibility that Harriet might remember him despite the rules, leaving the door open for further exploration of memory and lingering connection.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Nolan decide to hide the compass under the jam crate, and what does this reveal about his character?
Nolan hides the compass because he knows it will trigger his departure and he is not ready to leave Harriet. This reveals that he prioritizes his emotional connection with Harriet over his own peace, and that he is willing to delay his afterlife for even a few more days with her.
What is the significance of the scarf Nolan gives to Harriet?
The scarf is a physical object Nolan wants Harriet to keep as a reminder of him. The initials NC stitched into it prove he made it himself, contradicting his story about buying it in 1978. It is a selfish act of love—he wants her to carry a piece of him even after he is gone.
How does Harriet’s reaction to Nolan’s departure demonstrate her growth throughout the novel?
Harriet chooses to be present and supportive despite her own grief, telling Nolan “this is good” and “this is what you’ve been waiting for.” She puts his needs above her own, showing she has moved from a passive caretaker of forgotten things to an active participant in helping someone she loves find resolution.