The text’s exploration of The Impact of Trauma on Survivors and Their Loved Ones continues with the mystery building around Clem’s past experiences, as Gabe realizes that calling Clem “babygirl” triggered her. After Clem finds out that Sydney left Poppy alone with Oliver, she becomes triggered again. The multiple triggers provide further foreshadowing that Clem has a traumatic past. The context of the “babygirl” comment suggests that the event relates to sex, while her intense disquiet over Poppy indicates that the experience links to childhood. Clem apparently worries that Oliver might abuse Poppy, which reflects the common misconception that people who have been abused are more likely to abuse others. In reality, studies are inconclusive and don’t show a clear causality between experiencing abuse and abusing.

Oliver also has to navigate others’ reactions to his trauma in this section, with Oliver (the survivor) feeling his loved ones (Gabe and Sydney) are underestimating his strength. Gabe establishes the patronizing attitude by presenting Oliver as “super vulnerable” and “like a damn kid” (275). Due to the abduction, Gabe doesn’t think of Oliver as an adult capable of sound decision-making, which does not recognize Oliver’s agency. Sydney perpetuates a weakened characterization of Oliver when she tells him, “The only thing worse than not having you, is having you and breaking you apart all over again.” Oliver replies, “I’m not made of glass. You won’t break me” (397, emphasis added). The dialogue indicates that some people tend to think of trauma survivors as helpless and in need of special protection. Oliver’s response shows that he’s not the same person who first left the cell. He’s learning to adjust, he has a firm idea of what he wants, and he’s ready to assert his agency.

Sydney also continues to navigate The Complexities of Sex and Intimacy in this section. Gabe tells her, “You hold the sledgehammer, Syd. One wrong swing and he’s going to fall” (277). The diction turns Sydney into a destructive force and suggests that a romantic relationship with Oliver will hurt Oliver. The adverse characterization upsets Sydney, but Sydney is still wrestling with her own concerns around what pursuing a romance with Oliver would mean for them both. She’s been trying to avoid sexual interactions with Oliver because she’s aware that she’s not ready to link sex to a serious relationship. As the “dark romance” genre keeps bringing them together, Sydney yields to her desires again and “rides” Oliver with their clothes on. The scene creates tension and suspense: It shows their irresistible attraction, and it demonstrates Sydney’s persistent reluctance and doubts since they still haven’t had penetrative sex.

The appearance of Tabitha, Cora, Dean, and “the Matchmaker” creates a connection between Lotus, Still Beating, and The Stars On Our Side. Cora and Dean were abducted by the Matchmaker (Earl Hubbard, who appears in Chapter 28, and knows Travis and Bradford) and develop a romantic relationship. Tabitha was abducted by the Matchmaker, who fell in love with her and set her free. The Matchmaker is Hope’s other biological parent. In Still Beating, Cora and Dean are the main two characters, with Tabitha serving as a secondary character. In The Stars On Our Side, Tabitha and Gabe become the main two characters. As Tabitha, Dean, and Cora experienced abduction, their inclusion reinforces the trauma of kidnapping, and it provides juxtaposition. Tabitha also provides a potential romantic rival for Sydney, which creates additional tension. As both Tabitha and Oliver have experienced kidnapping, their “dark romance” would multiply the “darkness” of the novel’s subject matter.

Oliver’s reaction to Athena reveals Oliver’s tenderness and shows how his experiences have not left him entirely closed off to emotional connections, even if he is still learning how to be vulnerable emotionally and physically with others. He connects the raccoon to the raccoon he saw upon leaving his cell. The animal becomes a repository for Oliver’s sentiment. He can freely care for her and give her compassion; she’s not human, so he doesn’t have to worry about dealing with the knotty feelings of another person. She’s a safe creature who poses no serious threat to him, while allowing him to connect with, and express, his nurturing tendencies.