After the traumatic shooting that forever changed her life, Nora is filled with fear, guilt, and anger. Her journey into the canyon on the anniversary of that tragedy becomes, somewhat ironically given the physical and emotional trials she endures, a healing journey. Bowling depicts both the toll that trauma and grief take on an individual and the hard but ultimately affirming work it takes to begin the healing process. Nora faces her fears, rebuilds her sense of self, allows herself to feel again, and emerges stronger and ready to move forward in life.

The shooting is cataclysmic for Nora. It takes her beloved mother’s life and physically and psychologically injures her father. It generates a host of negative emotions and thoughts in her, causing anxiety, fear, panic, nightmares, and mood swings from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nora and her father socially isolate, and her lack of connection to others is reflected in her “After” hair, which represents the loss of Mom’s love and Danielle’s friendship.

Nora and Dad focus on coping, rather than healing and progressing past the trauma. They avoid reflecting on the tragedy, instead building emotional walls that protect them from others and protect themselves from self-examination.