I think the ending of this book encapsulates my feeling of the story, sometimes stories end in a sad manner because that’s how things end. In fact, much of Painter’s recent life has been sad due to failing his friends. While Yumi helps him repair that rift, the pain is still there and it was felt strongest by Painter.
This is a great story of realizing that your goal isn’t always achievable because politics win out, and it maybe sometimes it really is “our world our way“