The Great Alone: Chapter 25 Summary & Analysis

When Leni returns to Cora, she remembers that she never opened her birthday present from Matthew. When she does, she finds an article written by Lily Walker, Matthew’s grandmother. The article is about Lily’s experience in Alaska and her appreciation of how “wild” it is. Pinned to the article is a note from Matthew, which says, “THIS COULD BE US.” After she reads the article, Leni asks her mother where they are going. Cora tells her they are returning to Seattle, the only place she can think to go.

Soon, Cora and Leni’s plane takes off. Before long, they are back in Seattle, standing on the doorstep of the Golliher house. Cora’s parents are surprised to see her and Leni. Together, Cora and Leni explain their circumstances, and the Gollihers invite them inside, concerned, but eager to help. Shortly afterward, Leni’s grandmother takes her to a room where she can get some sleep. Instead of sleeping, Leni climbs out onto the roof and looks at the night sky. A few minutes later, Cora comes out and joins her. Cora apologizes for how much she’s screwed up Leni’s life, though Leni tells her it is Ernt’s fault, not Cora’s. 

Leni and Cora spend the next few weeks indoors, not wanting to be seen and waiting for their injuries to heal. Eventually, they feel comfortable going outside and so they make their way to the University of Washington library. At the library, Leni and Cora looks through newspapers until they find an article about their disappearance. The article says that the authorities expect foul play but have not found any bodies. Leni and Cora are relieved, but Leni struggles to believe that she’ll ever find happiness again.