In the heart of Inkling, the Rylance family grapples with the aftermath of Olivia’s passing, exploring the many ways they cope with grief. Olivia’s significant role in the household leaves a void that each character addresses uniquely. The narrative underscores that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to grieving; instead, individuals navigate this complex emotion in their own time and manner.

Even two years after Olivia’s passing, Peter, Ethan, and Sarah grapple with grief in distinct manners. With her youth and Down syndrome, Sarah appears the most adept at handling her emotions. Understanding her mother’s death took time, and Peter and Ethan had to explain Olivia’s death repeatedly over a period of weeks. Although Sarah eventually ceased asking about Olivia, she erupted into uncontrollable sobs one night. Sarah’s emotional maturity lies in her acceptance and acknowledgment of her feelings: a resilience that both Peter and Ethan struggle to imitate. Sarah is also the only one of the family to openly discuss Olivia, echoing her mother’s words and finding comfort in toys that Olivia once gave her. Even when faced with Inkling’s abduction, Sarah’s emotional outburst is followed by marked resilience, and her openness serves as a beacon of strength.