Lois Chasse's Transformation

Lois's journey from a timid widow to a courageous woman who finds love and purpose.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Widow's Isolation

A Quiet Life The Death of Mr Chasse Lois's husband Paul died two years before the novel begins. She has lived alone in her house on Harris Avenue, filling her days with card games, knitting, and visits from her son Harold. She is lonely but hides it behind a cheerful facade. The Insomnia Begins Lois begins to suffer from insomnia, just like Ralph. She also starts seeing auras, which terrifies her. She goes to Dr Litchfield, who betrays her confidence by calling her son. Harold and his wife Janet try to put her in a retirement home. A Cry for Help Ralph finds Lois crying in Strawford Park. She confesses her fears about the auras and her family's betrayal. Ralph tells her that she is not crazy – she is experiencing hyper-reality. Their shared secret forges a bond between them.

Discovering Her Strength

A New Woman Shooting Atropos When Atropos attacks Rosalie, Lois instinctively shoots a bolt of energy at him, driving him off. She is shocked by her own power but also exhilarated. She realizes that she is not helpless. The Card Game Lois uses her ability to read auras to win at poker, but she feels guilty. She learns that her power can be used for good or ill, and she chooses to use it to help others. She becomes Ralph's partner in the fight against Ed Deepneau. A New Confidence Lois's transformation is physical as well as emotional. She looks younger, her wrinkles fading, her hair darkening. She is no longer "Our Lois" – she is a force to be reckoned with. She saves Ralph's life multiple times and proves her courage.

Life After Ralph

Carrying On The Widow Again After Ralph's death, Lois is once again a widow. But she is not the same woman she was before. She has learned that she is strong, that she can face anything. She mourns Ralph but also celebrates the time they had together. A New Purpose Lois keeps Rosalie the beagle and continues to live in her house on Harris Avenue. She babysits Natalie Deepneau and stays in touch with her friends. She knows that Ralph's sacrifice was not in vain. A Life Well Lived Lois grows old gracefully, carrying Ralph's memory in her heart. She often sits on the porch, watching the street, remembering the man who taught her to see the light behind the darkness. She is at peace.

Before the events of the novel

October 1993

After August 1998