The River Is Waiting

Dr. Beena Patel wakes to her husband, Vikram, asking what she would like for breakfast. She tries to remember the dream she was having and reflects on Corby’s recent death from the coronavirus. Over breakfast, they talk about how everyone—but particularly prisoners—are vulnerable to the pandemic. Vikram leaves for work, and Dr. Patel looks out the window, seeing a great blue heron.

Two years after Corby’s death, Emily, who is now pregnant, receives a letter from Manny requesting a meeting, now that he is out of prison. She tentatively agrees, although she is hesitant to bring up the past now that she is moving on with her fiancé, Bryan. Emily reflects on her last conversation with Corby and how he listened and never reached out to her again.

Emily meets Manny in a food court. Manny brings a study Corby had sketched for the mural. The drawing contains Solomon, and Manny talks about how Corby risked himself to protect Solomon. They talk about Corby’s guilt, and Emily shares that they had marital issues before Niko’s death. Manny is skeptical when Emily says she had no idea Corby was experiencing a drug and alcohol dependency.