Well, as much as I hate to say this, I have to be honest. Asa's death and Caleb's redemption in ultimate sacrifice of his mate, followed by reunion with his son, would have been the best literature @kbois ever wrote. It would have been the level of the antient Greek tragedy. But we don't want Sophocles!!! Please...
I'm still confused by the deepness of their relationship. Instead of some crying chapter or two before, I haven't seen real emotions by Derek (ok, Jeremy has two years gap). How strong is his feelings, is it love? And why was it secret relationship, at least to Mrs. Perch if she was like mother to them?!
Why did Derek leave Jeremy in such condition. It was obvious that Jeremy is totally confused and disoriented, he should not be left alone, no matter what he said!