In the movie, it is revealed that Gilbert is indeed alive despite the assumption that he had died. However, he chooses to stay away from his old life and the people he loves due to overwhelming guilt. Gilbert is deeply ashamed of his actions and feels unworthy of facing Violet after everything that has happened.
Throughout the movie, Gilbert’s guilt is portrayed as a heavy burden on his conscience. He is haunted by the choices he made and the pain he caused, particularly to Violet. This guilt is what leads him to retreat from his former life, isolating himself from the world and the people who care about him.
It is only towards the end of the movie, after reading Violet’s heartfelt letter, that Gilbert begins to reconsider his decision. The letter serves as a catalyst for him to confront his guilt and reach out to Violet. He realizes that he can no longer hide from his past and the people he cares about. Gilbert understands that he needs to face his shame and make amends for his actions.
In the final scenes of the movie, Gilbert finally gathers the courage to patch things up with Violet. They have a heartfelt conversation where he expresses his remorse and apologizes for his absence. Violet, understanding the depth of Gilbert’s guilt, forgives him and they are able to rebuild their relationship.
From that point on, Gilbert and Violet are shown enjoying life together, free from the weight of guilt. They support and care for each other, finding solace in their shared experiences and understanding. Gilbert’s decision to face his guilt and reconcile with Violet ultimately leads to their happiness and a renewed sense of purpose in life.
It is important to note that the movie does not explicitly explain how Gilbert managed to survive or the details of his life during his absence. Instead, the focus is on his emotional journey and the impact of his guilt on his relationships. This allows the audience to draw their own conclusions and focus on the themes of redemption and forgiveness portrayed in the story.