Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Gabi and Sal discover Yasmany in the bathroom, brushing his teeth. Accusations fly as Gabi confronts Yasmany. Feeling hurt, Gabi questions why Yasmany ran away from home without telling her. Seeking support, Yasmany looks at Sal, who diffuses the tension with a well-timed fart, transforming the atmosphere into one of laughter, filled with fart jokes and giggles. Despite the lightened mood, they decide to bring Yasmany to the hospital, ensuring his well-being with a meal and a safe place to sleep.

Gabi, eager for answers, attempts to pry into Yasmany’s ordeal, but Sal intervenes, recalling his past trauma. Sal understands the importance of giving Yasmany space. He reminisces about the clown who, with a magic trick, once momentarily lifted Sal’s spirits and inspired him to become a magician.

A search for calamitrons in the bathroom reveals none. In the multipurpose room, the climbing wall has reverted to its effortless form from before Sal’s switch. Fortunately, no calamitrons are present. The entropy sweeper begins to explain the anomaly. Sal shuts it down, heading back to the hospital with Yasmany in tow.

Gabi’s family warmly embraces Yasmany, offering him food and engaging in playful activities. Cari-Dad, a doctor, discreetly conducts a brief examination to ensure Yasmany’s well-being. After, Cari-Dad and Gabi’s mom meet with police officers. Sal attempts to observe, but Gabi cautions him against drawing attention, revealing that Yasmany’s mom is involved in wrongdoing.

After Sal’s parents depart, Nurse Sotolongo arranges a room for Sal and Yasmany to spend the night. Yasmany quickly develops a crush on the nurse. As they lay awake, Yasmany shares his struggle to comprehend his impulsive actions. He regrets his behavior, acknowledging that he often acts without forethought. Yasmany seeks advice from Sal on how to think before speaking, to which Sal admits that his tendency to overthink leads him into trouble as well.

Sal and Yasmany feign sleep, but Sal overhears Yasmany softly crying and whispering apologies to him. The vulnerability in Yasmany’s quiet remorse hangs in the air.

Gabi initiates a text conversation with Sal at 5:30 a.m. Soon after, Nurse Sotolongo insists Sal rise. Gabi and Sal dive into their “Everyman” play but quickly realize they need assistance. Sal reaches out to his parents, who promptly join the creative session. Together, they brainstorm ideas to make their play about death frightening and entertaining. It is vital to Gabi that Death does not win in the performance.

The next update on Iggy brings relief; Ms. Real announces he is stable and eagerly joins the effort to bring the play to life. The dads become part of the creative team too, offering their skills for costume design. Aventura, a talented cosplay artist, contributes a sewing machine and aids in crafting costumes.

During the collective effort, one of Gabi’s dads expresses gratitude to Sal for providing comfort and distraction to the family. In a lighthearted moment, they declare Sal an honorary dad and brainstorm a fitting dad name. Sal settles on “Presti-Dad-gitation.”

The dads attempt to tease Sal, pivoting the conversation to Sal’s relationship with Gabi. Sal states that he is “not a sexual being yet” (327), quite aware that his mature response will embarrass the dads.

Yasmany gradually integrates into the group, visibly unwinding in the warmth of Gabi and Sal’s families. He approaches Sal, requesting to borrow his phone, as Yasmany’s mother destroyed his. Gabi and Yasmany call Principal Torres, and afterward, Yasmany returns the phone. The boys share a bonding moment, sealed with a hug.

Later, Principal Torres arrives, accompanied by a police officer. Expressing gratitude to everyone for looking after Yasmany, she escorts him to his aunt’s house.

Gabi completes the script. After reading it, Sal deems it remarkable.

Sal and Gabi perform their play, Death Always Wins, for the hospital. Nurse Sotolongo is the narrator until Sal, playing Death, kills her. The performance uses impressive visuals and revolves around Gabi, the Everyman character, taunting and teasing Death. Although Death comes to everyone, Gabi tells the audience to ignore it and live each day to the fullest.

During the happy car ride home, American Stepmom and Papi praise Sal for his performance. The conversation is interrupted by a message that prompts the family to return straight to the hospital.

Iggy’s immune system is shutting down. A heartfelt exchange ensues between Gabi and her mother, with a subtle disagreement over “God’s will.” Gabi requests a moment alone with Iggy to bid him farewell, though she asks Sal to remain by her side.

In a private plea, Gabi beseeches Sal to use his abilities to save her brother. Sal attempts to convey his lack of knowledge on the matter, explaining that the best he could do is replace Iggy with an alternate-universe version, an unacceptable solution. The two engage in a brief argument until it occurs to Sal that there may be another solution that he doesn’t even know about, something in the vast multiverse that could help. Together, they decide to explore the multiverse.

Gabi and Sal plunge into the vast expanse of the multiverse, traversing myriad possibilities simultaneously. Sal imparts the art of relaxation and meditation to Gabi, enabling her to exert some control over the unfolding realities. Slowly mastering this skill, they arrive in an alternate universe where Mami Not-Muerta leads Gabi’s family in prayer. The families seem unable to see or hear them.

Sal becomes increasingly frustrated with the discourteous alternate version of himself, who doesn’t respect the gravity of the situation. Losing his temper, Sal smashes his alternate self’s phone. While the others panic, suspecting ghosts or spirits, Mami Not-Muerta is able to perceive Sal and Gabi. Offering an apology, Sal contends that he and Gabi are well intentioned.

Alternate Mami implores Sal and Gabi to save Iggy. Though Sal and Gabbi express their helplessness to save their own Iggy, Mami calls their attention to the incubator. Two Iggys seem to be present at once, one from each dimension. While Gabi and Sal’s Iggy has an immunodeficiency disease, alternate Iggy has neonatal meningitis. Introducing the virtuous remembranation theory, Alternate Papi elucidates how two beings across universes can blend; based on this theory, Alternate Mami instructs Sal on assisting both babies.

As the room collectively engages in meditation led by Gabi, Sal endeavors to connect the babies across two universes. The objective is to allow their healthy aspects to mutually contribute to each other’s well-being, creating a symbiotic healing process.

Sal recounts his week at school, highlighting the success of the play he and Gabi created, which earned them top marks. Aventura also received extra credit for her assistance. Yasmany’s return to school is accompanied by news of his improved living situation, leading to positive changes in his behavior and a notable achievement in conquering the most challenging section of the rock climbing wall. Sal continues to close the hole in Yasmany’s locker by inhaling several calamitrons daily.

On a Sunday night, Gabi insists on an immediate visit to Sal’s. She brings Iggy, who is now in perfect health, and a cat. The cat effortlessly navigates between the universes using Iggy as a sort of portal. Sal scans the cat and Iggy, finding no trace of calamitrons.

Expressing gratitude, Gabi thanks Sal for saving her brother and expresses her willingness to help him bring back Mami. Sal, however, deflects the suggestion, emphasizing the importance of being smart over being brave. As they talk, Sal discreetly stamps Gabi’s hand with the “gotcha” stamp.