Summary

In “Ruth, Issaquah, Washington, Winter 1974,” Ruth Wachowsky’s mother disagreed with Ruth’s decision to attend the Complex Grief Group after her father’s death. When she dropped Ruth off, she warned Ruth about being safe.

Frances Dunnmeyer had started the grief group after her husband’s death 10 years prior (86). She told Ruth how the group worked and the prompts they would use to process their grief. Ruth was particularly curious about a woman in attendance named Tina, who had “been in a bad marriage” like her (88). When the women started talking about taking responsibility for their feelings, Ruth felt confused.

Afterwards, Ruth tried sharing her experience with her mother. However, her mother was skeptical of Ruth’s grief, because she was in pain, too.

In “Pamela, Tallahassee, 1978, Day 2,” Pamela met Detective Pickell and Sheriff Cruso for an interview. They demanded to know...