If the ending of Perks were a cupcake, it would be a dark depressing chocolate with sprinkles of optimism. Charlie's been in the hospital for two months after his repressed memories of molestation at the hands of his beloved aunt have sent him spiraling out of control.
But Charlie's lucky that he has friends and family that visit and support him. And things are looking up; Charlie tells us that although he was terrified of freshman year of high school, he's actually looking forward to his sophomore year. He writes, "I'm not sure if I will have the time to write any more letters because I might be too busy trying to 'participate'" (Epilogue.22).
And sure enough, it's Charlie's last letter. He signs off by telling us that we should "believe things are good with [him], and even when they're not, they will be soon enough" (Epilogue.23).
Are you convinced? Has Charlie really come to terms with his sexual abuse? What does the future hold for our favorite wallflower?