Mercy

An unnamed writer describes a picture they have of the addressee; it is not one the writer took, but rather an image they chanced upon months after the addressee left. The writer reflects on how the picture shows someone they loved.

Allie meets Pauline Cioffi, Maggie’s best friend, who is unsurprised to learn that Jamie killed Maggie. She knew Maggie was going to ask him to do this; Jamie loved Maggie deeply and would have done anything Maggie asked. Pauline also asserts that Maggie admitted she wouldn’t have been able to do it if it were the other way around and that she felt guilty about this truth. Maggie was even jealous of Pauline’s marriage because it was more equal—she couldn’t give as much to Jamie as he gave to her.

Cam drives out of Wheelock, remembering the first time he and Allie had sex on a picnic date seven years ago. Cam was shocked to discover that a then-25-year-old Allie was still a virgin, and he had gotten angry that she hadn’t told him. However, Allie had soothed him and felt reassured herself when she realized that Cam was angry with himself for not being gentler with her for her first time.