Summary Of Barret's Short Story '

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To save his family, a financially desperate man makes a somber decision to end his life, but his actions have grave consequences.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:

BARRET KARLSSON (42), a proud man, becomes despondent and financially desperate when his work hours are cut back on his job. He promises his wife, LAUREN, and his young son MAX (8), that everything will be fine.

Swallowing his pride, Barret turns to his estranged father, TRYG KARLSSON (65), for help. Tryg is willing to give Barret the money, but Barret changes his mind. He can’t forgive his father for leaving, KAREN (46), Barret’s sister, in a nursing facility. Tryg struggles with the death of his wife and blames Karen.

When Lauren and Max leave to visit relatives, Barret makes a life changing
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Barret is reluctant to answer. Barret tries to confess to Mike that it’s his fault, but Mike doesn’t understand. When Tryg’s business partner, BARRY, tells Tryg that Barret applied for life insurance several weeks earlier, Tryg has uneasy feelings.

When Barret sees the insurance papers, he burns them. He realizes he’s left a trail with the policy. He breaks into the insurance office. He destroys his file and the computers. He steals some of the hard drives. Tryg learns of the break-in and discovers that Barret’s file is the only one missing. Tryg becomes suspicious of Barret and follows him. He sees him getting rid of documents. Barret buries the computers to hide the evidence. Barret leaves his father’s home.

Barret confesses again to Mike. This time Mike realizes what Barret is saying. RUTHIE overhears him and contacts Josh. Josh comes looking for Barret. Tryg tries to protect his son and covers up for him.

Josh heads to the motel. He sees Barret fleeing. A car chase ensues. Tryg also follows. Barret drives into the icy water, but continues to flee, pulling out a gun. He aims at Josh and then shoots him. Tryg pleads with Barret to give him the gun. He’ll take the blame, but Barret turns the gun on himself and

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