Re-read: Chapter Twelve- Failed

"We're going to die."

Wanderer begins to weaken as the last of the food and water is consumed. Looking out across the distance, the last marker is further than any other distance they had traveled to this point. Continuing on, Wanderer begins to believe there was nothing to find in the desert, but Melanie insists that the mistake was hers. Melanie is also worried Jared and Jamie would have attempted the same ill-fated trek through the desert, but she is quick to reassure herself that they would not have gone out unprepared. 

Forging ahead, Wanderer voices her realization that death was imminent and Melanie calmly agrees. Melanie is comforted by the fact that she was able to keep Jared and Jared safe from the Seeker, but Wanderer questions what she is dying for, to which Melanie responds:

"After all the planets and all the hosts you've left behind, you've finally found the place and the body you'd die for. I think you've found your home, Wanderer." (113)

Wanderer struggles to keep going, but she presses on as long as possible. After a few hours, she is unable to go any further and seeks refuge under a dead tree. Unable to carry on any further conversations, Wanderer and Melanie fall into silence as the pain overtakes them. For a time, memories of Jamie flicker through their mind as they hum a lullaby for comfort.


In the night, a sound rouses them, but it is quickly forgotten. A tugging causes them to stir, though it is not from an animal as expected, and they are further brought back by the cool water poured over their face. The water is then poured into their mouth and they drink it down till it causes their stomach to ache. Slowly, their eyes open and as they examine the face before them, they know the identity of their savior...Uncle Jeb. 


"Well, now, here's a pickle." (117)

Back in February, Stephenie Meyer had this to say about William Hurt (Uncle Jeb):

After Saoirse joined us, amazing actor after amazing actor signed on until none of us could believe our good fortune. Just the other day I got to meet William Hurt (!!) in full Jeb beard and hair, and it kind of choked me up. He looks amazing—they all look amazing!—and I can't wait to see them in action next week.

How do you feel about Hurt stepping into Jeb's beard? Check out the first glimpse of Uncle Jeb we got earlier this month.