Beyond That, the Sea

William is traveling in Paris when he gets a call from Nancy with news that Ethan has died of a heart attack. After learning from Gerald that the memorial service will be held in mid-September, William heads to London, planning to sail home in two days’ time. In the interim, he hopes to connect with Bea.

Bea, now a 22-year-old nursery school teacher, also gets a call from Nancy with the news of Ethan’s death. Nancy tells Bea that neither of the boys are home but will return soon. After hanging up, Bea thinks about the Gregorys and feels sad that Nancy must make all the calls alone.

Bea looks through her mail, among which is a postcard from Millie, who is in Spain. However, Bea doesn’t read the whole thing; instead, she falls asleep holding a photo of Ethan.

William looks up all the numbers listed for “B. Thompson” in the London phone book and dials them one by one until Bea picks up. He recognizes her voice and doesn’t say anything, and Bea hangs up, irritated at the anonymous, silent caller. William memorizes her address from the phone book and heads there with a bouquet of flowers.