A Thousand Boy Kisses

Four days later, Poppy collapses at school, and Rune carries her home and calls 911. As they wait for the ambulance, Poppy keeps hold of Rune’s hand and promises that she is not dying yet. Rune and Poppy’s mother ride in the ambulance with Poppy, while Rune’s parents bring Alton, Ida, and Savannah to the hospital.

Rune stays with Poppy while doctors perform tests. Poppy is hot, and they determine she is struggling to fight an infection. The doctors plan to induce a coma to help Poppy fight off the infection. Rune holds Poppy’s hand and reassures her that she will survive. Poppy’s mother and father cry and kiss Poppy, and Rune reflects that Poppy does not like her family seeing her this way.

Rune goes to sit in the hospital garden, where Poppy’s father finds him. James explains the doubts he had about Rune when Rune’s family came back from Oslo. However, seeing how happy Poppy is with Rune has convinced James that Rune’s purpose in life is to help Poppy enjoy her final months. Rune says he loves Poppy, and James is glad, adding that Rune can spend as much time at the hospital as he wants.