In this pivotal chapter of "The Velveteen Rabbit," the story unfolds after the boy has recovered from his illness, a time that brings renewed hope and the possibility of transformation for the Velveteen Rabbit. The rabbit has been on an emotional journey, living through the highs of being loved by the boy and the lows of fearing abandonment during the boy’s sickness. Now, with the boy back to health, the rabbit is eager to understand what it truly means to become real.

The chapter begins with the boy’s joyful return to playtime, and the rabbit feels a surge of happiness as he sees his beloved friend full of life again. The bond between them has deepened, and the rabbit reflects on how love has been the catalyst for his emotional and physical evolution. However, the rabbit is still grappling with the concept of being 'real.' He recalls the wise words of the Skin Horse, who explained that becoming real is not about outward appearances but rather about the emotional connections forged through love.

As the days go by, the rabbit learns through observation and experience that true reality is intertwined with the feelings of love, trust, and acceptance. He understands that being real means being cherished, and the love of the boy has already begun to transform him in profound ways. This chapter emphasizes the notion that love has a magical quality, capable of bringing life to inanimate objects and creating lasting bonds.

One day, the rabbit is surprised to find the boy's nursery filled with other toys that have been neglected, much like he had been before the boy discovered him. The rabbit realizes that all toys long to be loved and to fulfill their purpose, which is to provide comfort and companionship. The chapter paints a vivid picture of the nursery, where toys await their moment of significance, paralleling the rabbit’s own journey toward becoming real.

As the rabbit contemplates his existence, he is suddenly whisked away to a magical moment when the boy plays outside in the garden. They engage in imaginative adventures, and during this time, the rabbit feels a sense of belonging and purpose that he had never experienced before. Through these moments, the rabbit learns that love is what truly makes him real, and this realization leads him to hope for a day when he might become a real rabbit, not just in the boy’s heart but in the world.

The chapter concludes with the rabbit feeling a sense of wonder and anticipation. He understands that the magic of becoming real is not just about physical transformation but is rooted in the deep emotional connections formed through love. He is filled with hope, knowing that the boy’s love is powerful enough to make dreams come true—dreams of becoming a real creature, fully alive and part of the boy’s world. This chapter encapsulates the essence of the story, emphasizing themes of love, transformation, and the purity of childhood innocence.