The Christmas pageant was a success. Peg makes it across with much assistance from her partner. As the comroderie with her new sisters at the hospital continues, Peg's wish for returning home for a Christmas visit comes true.
This time, the visit was better, but still not one hundred percent. Peg's brother and Dad find a way to get Peg uptairs to revisit her room. Though her visit went well, she was eager to return to the hospital in hopes that her good, sick friend will still be there. She is delighted to find that all of her sisters are well and enjoyed a memorable Holiday. And soon, Peg finds herself giving in to her Mother's request of donating her toys and books to the youth at her hospital.
With thought and concentration about each step she made, Peg began taking small steps. She still used walking sticks for the most part, but within time and much therapy, she learned to walk again, taking slow small steps.
Her dream finally came true of returning home. She was to continue her excersises and practice walking alone. She experienced mixed emotions about being able to return home to stay, and not wanting to leave her friends behind. Peg said her goodbyes early one morning and felt content knowing that she would return every week for checkups. She promised her friends a full report of the outside world and parted.
Before she returned home, Peg and her Mother payed a visit to Dr. Bevis. Peg walked for Dr. Bevis, head up, heel toe, small steps, as she had promised she would. Dr. Bevis proudly congratulated Peg, as he thanked her for returning to show him. His reaction showed great pride and was described witnessing someone who won the lottery.
In the last chapter of the book, Peg returns home. She continues her exercises, and continues to use walking sticks. Slowly, she keeps in touch with her friends by writing, and visiting. Soon after, she receives permission to return to school. Despite her fear and reluctance of how the school will react to her condition, she returns. It had been seven months since she had been away. It felt like a lifetime.
Much to her surprise, schoolmates greeted her with cheers and eager volunteerism to help. Without knowing it, she had "become a celebrity." She became more confident as her first day passed, and she realized that though she had returned on walking sticks, moving slowly and taking small steps, in many ways, she was stronger than when she had left.
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