The Other Wes Moore: Part II Interlude Summary & Analysis

Back in prison, Moore wishes Wes a happy 32nd birthday, but Wes admits he almost forgot about the day altogether. Walking into Jessup Correctional Facility, Moore is reminded of the “daily miracle of my freedom.” He watches the other inmates during visitation, one of whom is meeting his baby for the first time. Wes asks him when he first felt like he’d become a man; Moore responds that it was when he first felt “accountable to people other than myself.” He then reflects on this answer, realizing that he’s not sure when exactly that was. He admits that for some people, maturity comes more gradually, whereas for others adult responsibility is such a sudden and jarring event that it throws their lives off course. Wes concurs, arguing that being responsible for others can be difficult and “unforgiving.” He points out that both he and Moore made mistakes when they were younger and both received second chances—but that second chances are only meaningful when external circumstances also change. Moore agrees, concluding that sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between “second chances and last chances.”