Abe Portman left Miss Peregrine's loop as a young man primarily to engage in external conflicts and establish a new safe haven for peculiars, though his life took an unforeseen turn that prevented his return.
Abe's departure was driven by a dual purpose that extended beyond the protective confines of Miss Peregrine's time loop. As a young man, he made the momentous decision to leave the stability and safety of the loop to face the dangers of the wider world.
Key Reasons for Abe's Departure
His motivations for leaving were multifaceted:
- To Join the War Against Germany: Abe sought to participate in the global conflict, likely World War II, which was raging outside the peculiar world's hidden sanctuaries. This suggests a desire to contribute to a larger cause or perhaps a sense of duty.
- To Fight the Hollowgast: A more direct threat to peculiars, the hollowgast (invisible, monstrous creatures that prey on peculiars) compelled Abe to join the active fight against them. His departure was a commitment to combating this existential danger.
- To Establish a Home in America: Beyond fighting, Abe had a long-term vision. He promised to "make a home in America for his fellow peculiars," indicating an ambition to create a new, permanent safe refuge outside the established loops, offering an alternative future for his kind.
However, despite these intentions, Abe's life in the normal world diverged significantly from his original plan. During his time outside the loop, he started a family of his own, which ultimately led him to never return for his fellow peculiars or fulfill his promise to them. This marked a permanent break from his past life under Miss Peregrine's care.
