Clearly, Marianne's son "left", and she is not able to move on from it. I think he committed suicide, based on the words "magically appear" at the beginning, and the writer's repeated use of the word "killing".
Also, "You have to believe when they say he didn't leave because of you or me" shows the mother is fighting against blaming herself, which is naturally what any loving mother would have to do.
The author is trying to convince the mother to accept his loss and move on.
Clearly, Marianne's son "left", and she is not able to move on from it. I think he committed suicide, based on the words "magically appear" at the beginning, and the writer's repeated use of the word "killing".
Also, "You have to believe when they say he didn't leave because of you or me" shows the mother is fighting against blaming herself, which is naturally what any loving mother would have to do.
The author is trying to convince the mother to accept his loss and move on.