Unwind: Chapter 69 Summary & Analysis

Harlan Dunfee grew up on a ranch in west Texas. He got into trouble three times and the Admiral got him off twice. Today is Harlan’s 26th birthday. There are hundreds of guests at his party, including Emby. He has Harlan’s right lung.

At the same time, a jet containing Unwinds arrives in the desert. Hayden introduces himself to a young Unwind and the group of kids steps off the airplane. A young man in a golf cart arrives, speaks with Hayden, and turns to the crowd. The young man—Connor—introduces himself as Mullard and then as Connor. The Admiral never returns to the graveyard on account of his health. He returns to his ex-wife on their ranch and keeps himself alive thinking about Harlan’s party. He reasons that in a way, the stories about Humphrey Dunfee are true, since now all of Harlan’s parts are in one spot again.

In the Graveyard, Connor addresses the new arrivals. His speech follows more or less what the Admiral’s was, and he makes sure to make eye contact with every Unwind. He says that he knows some want to just survive to 17, while others want to end unwinding. Connor says they won’t blow up chop shops and feed into the idea that Unwinds are violent. Instead, they’ll use their words, infiltrate harvest camps, and free kids. The kids cheer as Connor says they have a right to their lives, to their bodies, and they deserve a world where those things are possible.

At the Dunfee ranch, Emby connects with the girl who has Harlan’s left lung. Conversations begin to converge and soon everyone is talking with one another. The Admiral and his wife both cry. The Admiral looks at the crowd and says, “Harlan?” They answer as one by calling the Admiral “Dad.” At the Graveyard, Risa plays a grand piano and smiles at the new Unwinds. She knows that this place is redemptive for them all. Connor watches her play and thinks that even this harsh place is beautiful. He finally allows himself to hope.