The final chapter of Wish sees Charlie Reese grappling with the possibility of leaving her new home, only to discover that everything she truly desires is already within her reach. Through moments of self-reflection and the unwavering support of her friends and family, Charlie realizes that her wish for a stable, loving home has already come true. The chapter culminates in a heartwarming resolution as Charlie embraces her new life with Bertha and Gus, finally finding the peace and belonging she has longed for.
Chapter 26
Charlie spends the afternoon with Howard Odom and his brothers, helping them build a fort. She momentarily worries that Howard might not want to be her friend now that he knows her family is "all broken up," but he quickly reassures her. Later, inside the fort, Charlie confides in Howard, her voice trembling, that she doesn't want to return to Raleigh. Instead of reminding her that Raleigh was once her greatest desire, Howard simply and firmly says, "You're not," offering her a sliver of hope.
Her anxiety returns when Bertha calls her home, announcing they will "talk about everything" after supper. The meal is tense, filled with unspoken worries. After supper, Bertha reveals that she has contacted social services, explaining that Charlie's home situation hasn't improved and requesting a reevaluation of her placement in a "stable environment." The next few days are agonizing as Charlie awaits the decision, her future hanging in the balance.
Chapter 27
During this period of intense worry, Charlie experiences a profound moment of self-reflection. She finally understands what Jackie saw in Colby all along and recognizes how wrong she has been. Lying in bed, she promises herself to try to see the good in things, just like Jackie and Howard do. She acknowledges that she'll probably always have her father Scrappy's temper but hopes that by trying, she might one day be considered "good-hearted."
This new perspective makes her see the beauty in her life with Bertha and Gus, and the thought of leaving becomes heartbreaking. The phone finally rings, breaking the agonizing silence. Bertha returns from the call and asks Charlie, "How would you like to stay here with me and Gus, Charlie?" Overjoyed, Charlie accepts with a hug. Bertha echoes Jackie's words, acknowledging that Mama (Carla) and Scrappy are not going to change, and promises to make things right for Charlie, starting by removing the old canning jars from her room.
Chapter 28
Charlie races to tell Howard the good news, who simply says, "Told ya." He reveals that his wish at the creek had two parts: for Charlie to be his friend and for her to stay in Colby. Since the first part came true, he knew the second would, too. That evening on the porch, Bertha sighs contentedly and says, "I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought we’d have a family like this."
The word "family" strikes Charlie with the force of a revelation. She realizes this—a family that is stable, loving, and not broken—is what she had been wishing for all along. When Bertha spots the first star of the evening and tells everyone to make a wish, Charlie closes her eyes, breathes in the piney air, and makes no wish at all. Her wish has already come true.
Character Development
Charlie undergoes a significant transformation, moving from longing for her old life to fully embracing her new one.
- Acceptance: She accepts that her biological family may never change and finds solace in her chosen family.
- Gratitude: She appreciates the love and stability Bertha and Gus provide.
- Optimism: She commits to seeing the good in things, mirroring Jackie and Howard's positive outlook.
Bertha solidifies her role as Charlie's protector and maternal figure, fighting for Charlie's right to stay in Colby. Howard's unwavering friendship and selfless wish highlight his genuine acceptance of Charlie.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
The Meaning of Family: The novel's exploration of family culminates as Charlie realizes that family is not defined by blood but by love, stability, and support. Bertha, Gus, and even Howard, have become her true family, offering her the "not broken" home she desperately needed.
Wishing and Hope: The central theme of wishing is beautifully resolved. Charlie's decision not to wish on the first star signifies her contentment and the fulfillment of her deepest desires. She no longer needs to wish for a different life because she has found peace and belonging in the one she has.
Symbols
The First Star: The first star, previously a symbol of Charlie's relentless wishing, transforms into a symbol of fulfillment. When she sees it, she feels no need to make a wish, signifying the end of her desperate search and the beginning of her peaceful acceptance.
Key Quotes
"How would you like to stay here with me and Gus, Charlie?"
This quote marks a turning point in Charlie's life, as Bertha offers her the stability and love she has always craved. It signifies the beginning of Charlie's permanent placement in a safe and nurturing environment, fulfilling her deepest wish for a true home.
"I looked up at that star twinkling over the mountains, but instead of wishing, I just closed my eyes and breathed in the piney air. My wish had finally come true."
This quote encapsulates the novel's central theme of hope and fulfillment. Charlie's decision not to wish signifies that she no longer lives in a state of desperate longing but has found contentment and peace in her current life. It marks the end of her emotional journey and the beginning of her new, happy chapter.
Why This Matters and Section Significance
This chapter serves as the emotional and narrative climax of Wish, resolving the central conflict of Charlie's future and her search for a stable home. All the novel's primary themes converge and find their resolution here, solidifying the message that true happiness often comes from recognizing and appreciating the love that is already around you. Charlie's journey concludes with her finding a true family, genuine friendship, and inner peace, affirming the transformative power of love and acceptance.