How does the author portray the difficulties of accepting loss in the novel, We Are the Ants?

Jesse's character is meant to show the impacts of suicide on loved ones. To Henry, Audrey, and Mrs. Franklin, Jesse’s death is senseless. Henry is desperate to find a reason for Jesse’s suicide so that he can come to terms with it. Audrey blames herself while Mrs. Franklin struggles with looking at any of her son’s belongings. Eventually, all of these characters and anyone else who knew or cared for Jesse must accept that it happened and move forward with his memory. They will never forget Jesse, and they may never fully understand why he chose to end his life, but the only way to keep themselves from succumbing to despair is to realize that his decision was never their fault.