CHAPTER 36

Summary

• The chapter is set in 1936, at the Saint Bridget’s leprosarium. Digby speaks with the various residents, recognizing their unique personalities and characteristics.
• Digby thanks everyone for their kindness and companionship during his time there, symbolically conveying his thanks by bringing his palms together and looking each person in the eye.
• He reflects on his time there and how he initially arrived with nothing. He remembers the peaceful evenings he spent with Rune, and a profound conversation they had about their nature and purpose as humans.
• Rune's wisdom and teachings, particularly a quote from Ecclesiastes, deeply influence Digby's understanding of life, mortality, and the importance of making the most of one's abilities.
• Digby goes to say goodbye to young Elsie, who he credits for bringing life back to his right hand through her therapy. He gifts her Rune’s copy of Gray’s Anatomy as an expression of his gratitude.
• The inscribed words in the gift really affect Elsie, and she welcomes it wholeheartedly as a token of appreciation and remembrance. She walks out with Digby and graciously releases him to his new path.
• As he departs from Saint Bridget’s, Digby feels a sense of loss and uncertainty, as if adrift without a sail or map.