Grief

The author uses Casey's response to losing her mother unexpectedly, as a means of exploring the individual's grieving process. Because of the sudden and disturbing nature of Casey's mother's death, Casey is unable to reconcile herself with losing her, even many months afterwards. Indeed, her mother's passing causes Casey to feel as if nothing in her life is stable any longer. If she could lose her mother so suddenly, Casey seems to wonder what else might she be able to lose without expecting it. In the aftermath of her mother's death, Casey attempts to distract herself from the truth of her grief. Rather than confronting her feelings, she buries them in work and relationships. Not unlike her mode of operating in romantic situations, Casey seems to believe that if she does not fully open herself up to her sorrow, she will be able to avoid the...