The Great Alone

Two days later, Matthew moves, but Leni doesn’t think his condition is improving. When rescue finally arrives, they go to a hospital in Anchorage. As soon as Leni wakes up, she sees her mom, who tells her that the doctors are not sure if Matthew will make it. Leni hastens to see him. He is in a coma, breathing through a respirator. Leni stays until her mother pulls her away. Tom comes to visit Leni and informs her that they are taking Matthew off the respirator. Leni goes with Tom, who consoles her, telling her that Matthew would have always gone after her: “He couldn’t do anything else” (306). Alyeska, who is also there, echoes her father. They all encourage Matthew, who manages to breathe independently, but the doctor cautions them that he might never recover.

Days later, the hospital discharges Leni. Tom and Alyeska give Leni encouraging words about Matthew with Tom promising to update her through a channel on the ham radio. When Cora and Leni come home, they find Ernt there. Although Cora went to the police, she never pressed charges. Ernt looks apologetic and tells Leni that he heard Matthew was going to die. As she watches her father, Leni no longer feels fear, but hatred.