Chapter 37: Parrish’s Funeral and a Mother’s Return
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
On Wednesday morning, Traci arrives late for Parrish’s funeral at the small Chapel by the Sea. She is forced to sit next to the hostile Wood family, who blame her for the tragedy. Inside, Traci spots Parrish’s dormmates and is shocked to see Heather, Parrish’s long-absent mother, climb onto the altar to sing “Tears in Heaven.” After the service, Heather approaches Traci outside and suggests they get a drink at a nearby dive bar. Over wine and fries, Heather explains why she left Ric—deep unhappiness, untreated depression, and a fear of repeating her own mother’s abuse—and reveals she has secretly been in touch with Parrish for years. She admits she has been “stalking” Traci, wanting answers about her daughter’s death. Traci shares what little she knows, promises to investigate further, and exchanges phone numbers. Heather leaves for her flight back to Vermont, but the encounter cements Traci’s determination to find the truth.
Key Events
- Traci learns of the funeral only when Charlie shows her the invitation; Ric Eddings never notified her.
- At the chapel, she endures cold stares from the Wood family and other locals who side with Ric.
- Heather arrives unannounced, performs a poignant rendition of “Tears in Heaven,” stunning the congregation.
- After the service, Traci slips out a side door; Heather catches her and suggests they talk privately.
- At Pour Willy’s bar, Heather reveals her decade‑long silence and the real reasons she walked away from Ric and Parrish.
- Heather admits she has been privately following Parrish’s life and now wants Traci’s help piecing together the circumstances of Parrish’s death.
- Traci tells Heather about the secluded party and her doubts that the dormmates were responsible.
- They exchange contact information; Heather asks Traci to keep her updated.
- Traci reaffirms her commitment to seeking justice for Parrish.
Character Development
- Traci Eddings: Her grief remains raw, but this chapter shows her resilience. She forces herself to attend the service despite knowing she will be shunned, and she willingly bonds with Heather—a woman she was never close to—because their shared love for Parrish outweighs old awkwardness. Traci’s vow to “get some answers” marks a shift from passive mourning to active investigation.
- Heather Goldstein: Once described as a “rock goddess,” Heather appears aged and heavier, with cropped silver hair and a quiet, honest demeanor. Her confession about depression and fear of repeating her mother’s abuse humanises her abandonment. By insisting on singing at the funeral and by reaching out to Traci, she shows she never stopped loving Parrish, even while staying away.
- Jolene Woods: A minor character who embodies the town’s contempt for Traci. Her refusal to let Traci sit comfortably and her stage‑whispered plan to prepare food for Ric’s reception underline the social divide.
- Parrish Eddings (deceased): Though absent, she remains the emotional centre. Through Heather’s memories of singing to her as a baby and Traci’s praise of her kindness and intelligence, Parrish’s vibrant personality is kept alive.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Grief and Ostracism: Traci’s isolation in the crowded church mirrors the community’s willingness to blame her for the tragedy. The physical coldness from the Wood family symbolises the broader rejection she faces.
- Unconventional Motherhood: Heather’s decision to leave and her later secret reconnection with Parrish challenges traditional ideals of maternal sacrifice. The song “Tears in Heaven” becomes a symbol of a mother singing a last goodbye.
- Secrets and Redemption: Heather’s hidden Facebook messages and her “stalking” of Traci suggest that family members keep secrets to protect themselves or others. The bar scene offers a chance for both women to begin telling the truth.
- The Difficulty of Forgiveness: Neither Traci nor Heather has fully forgiven Ric, but they refuse to let his grievances keep them from honouring Parrish.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 37 drastically alters the emotional landscape of the novel. The appearance of Heather provides a crucial new perspective on Parrish’s childhood and introduces a person who can act as an ally—and a check—on Ric’s narrative. For Traci, the conversation with Heather transforms her grief into a purposeful mission. The chapter also raises the stakes: Traci is now not only risking her own standing but also promising to deliver answers to Parrish’s mother. Finally, Heather’s version of the past complicates the reader’s understanding of Ric’s character, suggesting that his blame of Traci may be rooted in his own failures as a husband and father.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Traci decide to attend the funeral even though she knows Ric will not want her there?
Traci believes the day should be about honouring Parrish, not about adult grievances. She tells Charlie she will “make a fuss” and that Ric’s “petty grievances” will not keep her away. For her, showing up is an act of love for her niece and a refusal to let Ric control the narrative.
2. What reasons does Heather give for leaving her husband and daughter?
Heather explains she was deeply unhappy with Ric, suffering from untreated depression, and terrified that she would repeat the abusive patterns of her own mother, who was a “bad drunk” and emotionally abusive. She feared she would “mess Parrish up” and chose to walk away rather than inflict that damage.
3. How does the meeting at Pour Willy’s change Traci’s approach to the investigation?
Before the meeting, Traci was grieving passively and reacting to events. Heather’s blunt request for answers (and her confession that she has been “stalking” Traci) forces Traci to commit to actively uncovering the truth. Traci promises to keep Heather updated, which gives her a concrete responsibility and a partner in the search.