Summary

In Part 2, "Ascension," Chapter 6, "Dean, 2004, Spokane," Dean left Hawaii for college in Spokane on a basketball scholarship. He planned to get big on the team, and make more money than his family could ever get from Noa's gift. Though he barely applied himself in his academics, he focused during basketball. He made friends on the team, loving the feeling of others' admiration and validation. Whenever he talked to his family, he felt frustrated. Malia and Augie only wanted to talk about Noa, asking if he had told Dean anything he might be keeping from them. Dean and Kaui started bonding over this dynamic, still feeling forgotten by their parents.

After several bad performances during games, Dean found himself again. The school had a Hawaiian night during a home game. Dean felt a big inexplicable feeling that made him play better than he ever...