When All Is Said

The time is 7:47 pm, the second toast is to Molly, and the drink is a 21-year-old malt whiskey, Bushmills. The bar fills up before the event, and the staff serves everyone rapidly before they move to another room for dinner. Maurice remembers some of the new guests, though he struggles with names. He respects his fellow farmers’ adaptability and love for the land, discussing solar panels with one.

Maurice remembers his first whiskey, which he disliked at first but came to love. He internally tells Kevin that though he only met Molly for 15 minutes, she stayed in his heart forever. He describes how he and Sadie were never able to talk to each other about their grief when they didn’t conceive a child, reflecting on how hard it is for older generations who were never taught how to communicate. Maurice and Sadie eventually get help from a doctor, despite his concern about the cost. When Sadie became pregnant with Molly, she glowed with joy, buying items for the baby, whom she was certain was a girl. Business was thriving for Maurice, and he continued to work hard, pleased that he would be able to provide for his new family.