In this short story that is a sequel to another short story, “Hotel Goodbye,” Norma learns—amidst grief, memories, and restoration—what grief has to do with love.
The bedroom window curtain that hung behind the pane of glass like a motionless captive seemed to frame the time that had passed. That was now eight months, and since then, Norma West had not returned to the house.
Grief is unavoidable.
On the heels of having just escaped an impossible situation that has cost her more than losing her shoes and having to return home barefoot, Norma feels duped by death.
Memories and combustible matter
She begins to imagine that a small piece of wood that has combustible matter has survived the house fire.
Restoration
She remains inconsolable because of the loss and devastation, despite the ongoing restoration of the house.
“Is he here, or where is he?”
Her unresolved grief threatens to be inextinguishable as she questions herself about the object of her grief.
Sister
She is compelled to explain to her sister what has happened with her, including the reason for being shoeless.
Love lost
Finally, Norma discovers what happens to love that has been lost.