In November 2012, AJ has raised just under $300,000 through her convention appearances, Noah’s share helps offset taxes, and her agent takes a 10% cut. Mike contributes an additional $124,000 from gaming competitions and the sale of rare collectible cards. Together, AJ, Brian, and Mike visit Patrick at home on Thanksgiving week, where AJ and Mike tell him they have raised $400,000. Patrick bursts into tears, and AJ and Mike cry with him over how far he has come.

Patrick’s right leg is regaining strength, and his left arm has mostly recovered, though his left leg remains atrophied. He’s optimistic about walking with braces. His brother-in-law has installed ramps and handrails, and Elle has moved the primary bedroom downstairs. At dinner, Patrick says that being home and around his children is restoring him, a point that baby Claire punctuates by lobbing food at her brother.

Afterward, Elle joins AJ on the back porch with drinks. AJ admits that she expected to feel happier, having convinced herself that easing the debt would fix everything. Elle gently corrects her by saying that nothing can undo the accident itself. She credits Patrick’s lack of bitterness about his condition to growing up with Emily and says that his care requires little emotional labor.