The Aftermath of Coffey's Execution

The long-term effects on Paul and the other guards, including their transfers, deaths, and Paul's century-long life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Paul's Transfer

Leaving the Mile The Decision After Coffey's execution, Paul and Brutal both request transfers to Boys' Correctional. They cannot face another execution. The New Job Paul works at the juvenile facility for years. He never participates in another execution. The memory of Coffey haunts him. The Mouse's Remains Brutal finds colored splinters from Mr. Jingles's spool in a beam. It is a final reminder of the miracle.

Deaths of the Guards

The Toll of Time Dean Stanton's Death Dean is stabbed to death in C Block in early 1933. His death is senseless. Harry Terwilliger's Death Harry dies of intestinal cancer in 1982, an old man. Brutal's Death Brutal dies of a heart attack around 1957, watching TV. Paul outlives them all.

Paul's Long Life

The Gift and the Curse The Healing's Side Effect Coffey's healing gave Paul an unnaturally long life. He has outlived his wife, his friends, and his children. The Bus Crash In 1956, Janice dies in a bus crash. Paul survives unharmed. He screams for Coffey, but there is no answer. Writing the Story In his old age, Paul writes his memoir. He hopes to find meaning in the suffering. He still waits for death.

Winter 1932-1933

1932-1982

1932 to present (1990s)