Forever, Interrupted: A Novel

Elsie tries to settle back into her life. She returns to work and does her best to focus and control her emotions. She doesn’t break down in public but continues dreaming about Ben and waking up feeling heartbroken. Sometimes, she spends time with Ana, and occasionally, Ana invites other people to join them. Elsie pretends to be okay when she’s in these situations, but she doesn’t really feel better. She hasn’t moved any of Ben’s things in the apartment and often sits at home smelling his clothes or his pillow, which she put in a plastic bag to preserve his scent. Meanwhile, she continues checking the mail for the marriage certificate, which still hasn’t arrived. She knows she’s supposed “to avoid any triggers” (177), but everything reminds her of Ben.

One day, Susan stops over unannounced. She seems entirely different to Elsie. Elsie invites her in, and they sit together. Susan apologizes for her behavior when Ben died. She explains why she was so upset and how poorly she handled her emotions. Elsie starts crying, and Susan holds her. She tells Susan how much she loves Ben and misses him. Susan comforts her and invites her out to lunch.