The Sixteenth Summary

Today would have been Matthew Darling's 21st birthday. Mrs. Darling celebrates it by staying in bed. Mr. Darling pedals off on his bike. Bethany, Jessica's sister who lives in California with her husband, will spend it shoe shopping. Jessica will spend it contemplating that she would never have been born if Matthew hadn't died. She wishes him a happy birthday.

The Sixteenth Analysis

As Jessica predicted, her parents are dealing with the pain from the loss of her borther by denying it. She feels as if she is the only acknowledging his existence. What she doesn't realize is that everyone grieves in their own way. Her parents deal with it by avoidance.