Our very last glimpse of Manifest comes in one of Hattie Mae's newspaper articles. But this time, she's signing off for good, and announcing her replacement: Abilene Tucker. Not only has Abilene cemented her place in her new home, she's become a leader, someone everyone will turn to for years to come "for all the whos, whats, whys, whens, and wheres" (43.12).
And by writing the News Auxiliary column, she's once again connecting Manifest's past and future. Think about it:
- Hattie Mae's initial column, wrapped around her compass, was her very first, treasured link with the town.
- The papers she borrows from the newspaper office fill in the missing pieces of Miss Sadie's story for her.
- The Remember When contest in the paper helps to heal the town.
This column is precious to Abilene and the entire town, so what better way to end the story? And what do you think: how will Abilene keep guiding the town towards community in her new column?