I wonder why she didn’t seek medical attention for herself before she became incapacitated. Strange.
It seems at least possible that they made a pact: the only way that they leave their home is “boots first.”
some elderly people absolutely hate retirement homes and would never agree to live in one, no matter what. when i ran into this sentiment, i did not inquire why, but i suspect that it has something to do with dignity in death. before dying, they do not heed to worry about being embarrassed by not being able to take care of themselves and not being a drag to everyone around them. after dying, they of course do not care what happens to their mortal bodies.
so one way they could have gone is that gene could have made betsy swear not to call anyone for any help (once a wellness check is performed and it is determined by adult protective services that one or both elderly inhabitants are in medical danger, or the equivalent is passed along to authorities by a civilian). betsy honored gene’s wish. eventually, betsy succumbed to hantavirus (possibly due to cleaning such a large home by herself?). with betsy down and out, gene could not take care of himself, and conscious or not, lucid or not, he only lasted a few days without her. however, none of it was totally unforseen by either of them (with the possible exception of the dog that passed away in the kennel).
“I wonder why she didn’t seek medical attention for herself before she became incapacitated.”
I think she did. Apparently, she had been to CVS that day for a prescription. (Maybe the pills that were found spilled next to her?)
And I read that once you notice symptoms affecting lungs, you can be a goner in 24 hours.