Chapter 13: Sing, Sing, Sing!

A month later in the Library dorms, Carolyn brings Steve alcohol, cigarettes, and popcorn, hoping for civility. Steve remains unsettled by the Library and distant from Carolyn. She notes Naga calling him “My Lord Hunter,” an extraordinary lion honor, and learns Steve has been studying the hunt dialect and earning the lions’ respect.

Steve turns on the news and shows Carolyn growing global chaos: food riots from crop failure under the black sun, secessionist violence, and widespread fear. Outside, the military begins bombing the Library’s visible projection; Carolyn, unconcerned, reveals the bombardment cannot touch the Library’s true locus. She also admits she sensed the attack through David’s stolen catalog and had already listened in on leaders debating nuclear options.

Steve reveals he has been speaking with Erwin and the new president. He asks his wish: to locate his dog, Petey, which Carolyn readily promises. Then he confronts her emotional distance, arguing that surviving Father’s reign left her living at a different scale where fear, hope, and compassion rarely register. He cites famine, quakes triggered by the Library’s immense mass, and collapsing cities as harms she is overlooking.

Carolyn insists she will “figure something out,” but Steve says he cannot reach her with words. Recalling Erwin’s insight about lacking a common vocabulary, he concludes the only way to awaken her is through the “heart coal.” Recognizing this truth, Carolyn gives the slightest nod.

Serene now, Steve douses himself with Everclear. On his signal, Naga bars Carolyn. Steve ignites Margaret’s lighter and immolates himself, asking her to show compassion to the small things of the world. Carolyn, blocked by Naga’s fury, watches him burn to death in under a minute. In the stunned aftermath, Carolyn senses Isha and Asha’s cold regard as a scream fills the dorm.