Thus far into the book, I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, I can feel a personal connection with Milla. In the story, the author was describing Milla as a lonely, old lady who took companionship with her kitchen appliances. “And loneliness. She ate that, too” (Zusak 47). It kind of reminds of Bertram from Jessie. Bertram named his kitchen appliances. They were his friends. Furthermore, She’s been alone ever since her beloved husband died. I can definitely say from experience that I know what it's like to have a loved one pass away. It's almost as if a part of me is missing. A piece of me that won't ever come back. Milla most likely feels the same way about her husband, but when Ed came and acted like he was Milla's husband, Jimmy. You could tell that she was happy to have a companion again. I think what Ed did was really nice and kind. He cared for Milla when nobody else did. He saw how lonely she was and decided to do something about it. Not many people his age would even think of doing something so selfless. It makes me sad to know that Milla had to go 60 years without anyone to talk to or keep her company. “James Johnson; 1917-1942, Died serving his country, Beloved to Milla Johnson” (Zusak 60). Especially, without her true love. It shines a light on real life events and how situations like Milla's exist in the real world, too.
In my opinion, I feel as though Ed enjoys spending time with Milla. “It’s was like she held a string and pulled it in just slightly to open me up” (Zusak 48). It makes him happy knowing that Milla is enjoying their time together. He knows what it's like to be just as lonely as her. Even know he's surrounded by his friends: Ritchie, Marv, and Audrey. He still feels lonely and like his life had no meaning. But being able to put a smile on Milla's face made everything worth wild.
