Ralph Roberts' Arc from Grief to Sacrifice

Ralph's personal journey from a grieving widower to a man who finds love and purpose, ultimately sacrificing himself.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Widower's Grief

The Long Goodbye The Death of Carolyn Ralph's wife Carolyn dies of a brain tumor in March 1993. He is devastated. He had been her caregiver during her final months, and her death leaves a void in his life. He begins to suffer from insomnia, which he initially dismisses as a natural part of grief. The Walking Man Ralph takes long walks through Derry, trying to escape the ticking of the deathwatch that he hears everywhere. He walks to the airport, to the Barrens, to the Kissing Bridge. The walks exhaust him but also give him a sense of purpose. A New Beginning Ralph slowly begins to re-engage with life. He visits the picnic area near the airport, plays chess with the Old Crocks, and reconnects with old friends. He is not ready to move on, but he is no longer paralyzed by grief.

Finding Love with Lois

A Second Chance The Bond Forms Ralph and Lois discover they share the same insomnia and the same ability to see auras. Their shared experiences draw them together. They become partners in the fight against Atropos and Ed Deepneau, and their partnership deepens into love. Marriage In January 1994, Ralph and Lois marry. Their wedding is a small affair, attended by friends from Harris Avenue. Ralph feels that he has been given a second chance at happiness. Lois brings warmth and joy back into his life. Happy Years The next five years are the happiest of Ralph's life. He and Lois live in her house on Harris Avenue, with their beagle Rosalie. They babysit Natalie Deepneau, visit friends, and enjoy the simple pleasures of retirement. Ralph knows that these years are a gift.

The Final Sacrifice

Fulfilling the Promise The Return of the Deathwatch Five years after the events, Ralph's insomnia returns. He knows that the time of the promise has come. He must save Natalie Deepneau from Atropos's revenge, even if it costs him his life. The Sacrifice Ralph pushes Natalie out of the path of a car and is struck himself. He dies in the street, but he dies with a smile, knowing that he has kept his word. His last thoughts are of Lois and the love they shared. A Hero's Legacy Ralph is remembered as a hero. His sacrifice saves a child's life and preserves the balance between Purpose and Random. He has completed his journey from grief to love to selfless giving. His story becomes a legend on Harris Avenue.

Spring and summer 1993, after Carolyn's death

October 1993, and the following years

August 1998