The Pilot's Wife

In another snapshot memory, Jack takes Kathryn flying for the first time, just the two of them in a small airplane. Kathryn is nervous, but becomes quickly terrified as Jack performs some aerobatic maneuvers. When he is finished, he realizes that she is crying, but when he apologizes, she replies: “That was thrilling” and means it sincerely (77).

Upon hearing of the investigators’ suicide theory, Kathryn immediately wants to be with Mattie. She drives across town at sunrise and is confronted with the normalcy and memories that surround her in Ely. Mattie is still sleeping when she arrives, seemingly at peace, but Kathryn soon realizes that she is biting her bedsheet in frustration.

Julia is awake and making breakfast that Kathryn is not able to eat. She is shocked when Julia admonishes her, saying that she needs to be strong for Mattie. After they attempt to eat breakfast, Kathryn and Mattie take a walk behind Julia’s house. Mattie questions whether they should celebrate Christmas and brings up the topic of the funeral. Kathryn does not have the answers to any of her questions but, when asked, says Mattie should come to the funeral for closure. Mattie replies that she does not want closure.