At the end of chapter 8, Hazel receives a significant surprise: her mother informs her that she and Mr. Lancaster have decided Hazel can go on the trip to Amsterdam.
The Unexpected Turn
This news comes as a major surprise to Hazel, as she had been operating under the assumption that the trip was not going to happen for her. In fact, after Lidewij confirms that the Amsterdam trip is all arranged, Hazel's immediate reaction is to believe she won't be able to go.
- Hazel prepares to tell her mom to cancel the trip plans with the "Genies" (the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which the book refers to as "the Genies").
- Her reasoning for this intended cancellation is her firm belief that her health or other circumstances would prevent her from attending.
- Therefore, the revelation from her parents that they have agreed to let her go completely overturns her expectations and brings an unexpected wave of joy and anticipation.
This pivotal moment sets the stage for the next phase of Hazel's journey, transforming her initial disappointment into excitement for the trip to meet Peter Van Houten.
