Question P

[Jonetta]

Kim and Bryant meet at Mikey’s grave following the closing of the cases and she shares with him the reality of her nightmares…that she died and didn’t see her brother. She also acknowledges that she knows he was the one that administered the CPR that saved her. Your thoughts about the scene? How did you feel about finally learning Bryant’s first name?

(Also, at the beginning of the story, Kim apologizes to Bryant after he shares how hurt he was when she wouldn’t receive his visits. Please also share your thoughts about that scene.)

[Sharon]

I loved these scenes with Bryant. The first scene I expected. Bryant had to confront Kim for closing him out. I didn't expect Kim to apologize. She doesn't do that often. I knew something else was coming because Kim said she had an issue with him too.

The second scene made me cry. I understand the fear of dying and not seeing someone who passed before. Kim gets through her days since Mikey died, expecting to see him again. She didn't. It shook her belief system. I believe that Kim needs to have Mikey's forgiveness for living when he didn't.

I wonder why Bryant lied about who saved her. Is it because he didn't want Kim to feel she owed him something? Why didn't Leeann correct Bryant? I went back and read that scene in the last book to make sure I didn't miss something. I'm sure this will come up again.

[Jonetta]

I’m with you about Bryant’s first scene with Kim. I was floored when she apologized so readily and purely. I knew in that moment that Kim was really affected by what happened.

Now, when she revealed the nature of her nightmares, I was stunned! That never occurred to me and I was flooded with emotions. I think I may have cried, too. That was so honest and raw, to think she’d never see her brother again. She’s lived her life in that hope. Bryant’s response was brilliant and heartfelt. It was a wonderful moment.

I think Bryant didn’t tell her he’d administered the lifesaving CPR because he didn’t want their friendship to change. Saving someone’s life like that carries a lot of weight with it.

I loved getting Bryant’s first name! Marsons said she just wanted to give us something fun and it was a perfect surprise at the perfect moment.

[Lynn]

I wish we had gotten to see more of this interaction in the story, but saving it for the end made it much more powerful.
I think Bryant knows he is Kim's "one true friend" and takes that responsibility seriously, so when she refused to see him, he felt he wasn't able to help her.
The thing about the nightmares surprised me too, but I can see how that after all of the violence in her life, she would be more affected by her brother's absence in her nightmares.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Wow.. best bit in the book, the way we found out Bryant's name was ALAN. And in a very touching way. I read it... then thought SHE HAS JUST REVEALED BRYANT'S NAME WOO HOO. What a bonus for us readers.