Chapter 36 – Xavier: A Promise of Forever

Spoiler Warning: This summary contains details from Chapter 36 of Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. If you haven't read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

Xavier spends Christmas with Samantha's family after her grandmother's death. He helps with chores, cares for Samantha's mother Lisa, and supports the family. They exchange gifts: Samantha gives a framed photo of their first date; Xavier gives a seashell necklace from their Santa Monica trip. Samantha insists Xavier promise to spend every future Christmas with her, calling him her family. Xavier reflects that Samantha is his "one" – the person made just for him. He admits he spent his entire savings on the emergency flight. Samantha asks if he would erase memories of her to avoid pain; he refuses. She praises his character, and Xavier accepts the compliments, vowing to become the man she deserves.

Key Events

Xavier returns to Samantha's room after Christmas celebrations; she is calmer after crying.
He presses his ear to her stomach, joking about hearing music from a lost earbud.
Xavier explains Hank's offer to work for free at the veterinary clinic; Samantha suggests sending a mustard gift basket.
They exchange Christmas gifts: Xavier receives a framed photo of their first date at Mother Putters with a plaque reading "Our first date, July first." Samantha receives a seashell necklace made from a shell they found together in Santa Monica.
Samantha makes Xavier promise to spend every Christmas with her from now on, declaring him her family.
Xavier reflects internally that Samantha is his "one" – the person uniquely made for him, unlike any previous relationship.
He reveals he spent all his recent earnings plus an extra $114 on the first-class emergency flight, leaving him back at zero.
Samantha asks if Xavier would erase his memories of her to end the difficulty; he says no, comparing it to her not wanting to forget her grandmother.
Samantha compliments Xavier's selflessness, hard work, and gentleness, noting everything he did for the family that day.
For once, Xavier lets the compliments sink in and vows to be the kind of man who deserves her.

Character Development

Xavier is deeply affected by Samantha's grief and his own exhaustion. He pushes aside his financial anxiety to support her family, taking on practical tasks like meal planning, bathroom reminders, and cleanup. His internal monologue reveals a profound shift: he now sees himself as belonging to someone. Accepting Samantha's praise is a new step – he normally deflects compliments but allows her words to fill him. The chapter solidifies his commitment, not just to her but to being worthy of her love.

Samantha moves from grief to a grounded gratitude. She recognizes Xavier's sacrifice and voices her need for him permanently, not just during crises. Her question about erasing memories shows she understands emotional pain, but she also embraces joy through their gift exchange and the promise of future Christmases.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Belonging vs. isolation: Xavier has always spent Christmas alone, working, and never feeling part of a family. Samantha's declaration that he belongs to her redefines his identity. He "never felt like [he] belonged anywhere or to anyone" until now.
Memory and pain: Samantha's hypothetical about erasing memories mirrors the novel's recurring question: is love worth the inevitable hurt? Xavier insists it is, drawing a parallel to her grandmother's memory.
Sacrifice and economic struggle: The cost of Xavier's flight – his entire savings – illustrates the financial barrier to their relationship. His willingness to work seven days a week shows his devotion.
The "One": Xavier distinguishes between a good-fit partner and a destined soulmate, claiming Samantha is the latter. This motif reinforces the novel's central romance.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks the first time Xavier vocalizes a long-term commitment – the promise of "every year, no matter what." It also lays bare the financial strain threatening their future, adding tension to the love story. Xavier's acceptance of Samantha's compliments signals emotional growth, and his vow to be the man she deserves sets up his character arc for the remainder of the book. The gift exchange symbolizes how they are building a shared collection of memories.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Xavier refuse to erase his memories of Samantha despite the difficulty?
He believes some things are worth remembering no matter how much they hurt, just as Samantha would not want to forget her grandmother. For him, the pain of losing the memory would make life not worth living.

2. How does the gift exchange reflect the characters' priorities?
Samantha gives a tangible memory (a framed photo), while Xavier gives an object that carries a shared experience (the seashell). Both gifts prioritize sentimental value over material cost, aligning with their agreement to spend money on travel and experiences.

3. What does Xavier mean when he says Samantha is his "one"?
He differentiates between a person who is simply a good fit and the rare person who feels uniquely made for you. Samantha is his "one" because loving her gives him purpose and a sense of belonging he has never felt before.