Familial Relationships

"The Other One" follows Heloise as she navigates a number of relationships with those close to her – her mother, her brother, Antony, Delia, and her deceased father. The story shows how the car accident that took place when Heloise was twelve years old has continued to impact her relationships all the way into her forties. The most significant of these relationships is that between her and her mother, Angie. Angie's attitude toward the accident is characterized by dismissal, nonchalance, and even humor; she talks about without difficulty when prompted by Heloise, but is notably anxious for conversations about it to end. Angie's attitude has influenced the way Heloise thinks about the accident: she, too, believes her father's lover died in the crash, but Angie's withdrawn behavior only encourages Heloise to pursue more of a connection with her father.

Heloise's relationship with her mother is quietly...