Mrs. Briggs is the mother of one of Austin’s best friends. She’s like a second mother to him, having spent most his waking hours with her son Jake since kindergarten.
Mrs. Briggs has faced her share of adversity and tragedy, and she’s let it take over her very being, much like Austin’s cancer has taken him over.
Austin would not want that to happen to his own mother, and he certainly doesn’t want Mrs. Briggs to live that way.
“Mrs. Briggs places her hand on the knob and hesitates. Her pained expression makes me realize how difficult it must be for her to go into his room. I put a hand on her shoulder, and she twitches as if startled. Nodding, she turns the handle and opens the door, allowing me to enter Jake’s room, while she remains in the doorway.” ~ Chapter Four