Analysis: Ellie (In Mourning?

INTERLUDE: ELLIE (In Mourning?)

When Jack, Ellie’s husband dies, she doesn’t seem to be as depressed as she should be. Her family and friends whisper behind her back, wondering when the shock will set in. Actually she should be angry over the way he died, but the truth is she is very calm and you might say even a bit happy. Ellie feels free for the first time in twenty-five years.

A plan had been formulating ever since Aunt Martha passed away and Ellie was her sole beneficiary. A secret she never told Jack or any of the family, that includes Tom and Mary, her two grown children. Now the waiting is over.

After the memorial service, the family gathers at her house. She sits in her chair, dry eyed listening while they talk among themselves

That of course is not in her plans at all. Tom says he has to wait for his lease to run out so she has a few months.

“You can get the house ready. Move your belongings into the small room downstairs so Ann and I can have the large master bedroom.”

Ellie places her hand on his shoulder and tells him, that right now all she wants is to be alone with her thoughts. She asks him nicely to give her some time. He wants to know if she needs somebody to stay with her. “No”, she says quietly.

The afternoon is growing tedious and Ellie wants everyone to go home, but nobody seems to be gravitating in that direction. Finally, Ellie stands up in front of the fireplace and loudly announces. “GO HOME!” The entire family looks at her in shock but Ellie is serious and tells them in a loud clear voice “OUT! NOW!”

“Tom, Mary, I want you to stay a few minutes after everyone is gone, I have something for

“Mom, its Dad, don’t you care?” asks Tom, puzzled.

“No, I don’t” Ellie replies calmly. “Now you two should go home.”

Ellie turns and leaves the room, leaving her children standing there gaping at her. She goes into the library, which doubles as an office, shuts and locks the door. Jacks box of personal items sits on the desk; she tosses it onto a chair in the corner of the room. She sits at the desk leaning back in the chair and listens for the front door to shut and the cars to drive away. When it happens she smiles, turns on her computer and commences her new life.

* * * * * * * * * *

Morning finds Ellie up and dressed early, ready to begin implementing her plan. She has an appointment with the lawyer concerning Jacks will at 9:00 sharp. She will swing by the storage place on her way home to buy boxes so she can pack up Jacks personal belongings. She decides to give Tom and Mary only a short time to take what they want. In the mean time she will store it in the