After Tris's heroic sacrifice, Four is left profoundly heartbroken and embarks on a complex journey of grief, healing, and eventual acceptance.
His immediate reaction is one of overwhelming pain and a desperate desire to escape his suffering.
Initial Grief and Christina's Intervention
Upon his return from the city's Weapons Lab, Tobias "Four" Eaton is confronted with the devastating news of Tris Prior's death. The loss of Tris, who sacrificed herself to release the memory serum and reset the population, plunges Four into deep despair. Overwhelmed by grief and the profound pain of her absence, he contemplates a drastic measure:
- He considers taking a memory serum himself.
- His intention is to forget Tris and alleviate the immense pain of her loss.
However, his close friend Christina intervenes. She stops him from taking the serum, understanding that forgetting Tris would not truly heal him and would erase the memories of their shared experiences and her bravery. This pivotal moment underscores the depth of Four's emotional turmoil and Christina's crucial role in his initial support system.
His Journey Towards Healing and Acceptance
Following this immediate crisis, Four's path is one of gradual recovery and coming to terms with his new reality without Tris.
- Mourning and Reflection: He spends a significant period grappling with his grief, revisiting the places and memories they shared.
- Reconciling with the Past: He comes to understand the importance of remembering Tris, not forgetting her, and using her legacy as a source of strength. He eventually scatters her ashes from the Hancock Building, symbolizing a step towards acceptance and letting go.
- Finding a New Purpose: In the epilogue of the series, Four is shown five years after Tris's death. He has found a sense of peace and purpose, working as a teacher for the next generation of children, sharing knowledge, and helping to rebuild society. He learns to live with the pain of loss while still cherishing the love he shared with Tris, understanding that true love means remembering, even if it hurts.
His journey exemplifies the enduring impact of loss and the slow, difficult process of moving forward while honoring the memory of those who are gone.
