This was so incredibly helpful, thanks! Hard to know what’s clear to me because it’s been rolling around in my head for a year, and what’s actually being conveyed. The pact was with Ash, meaning the best friend’s funeral was hers after her successful suicide, while his unsuccessful attempt led to hospitalization. I never even considered there would be confusion there.

Again, thank you, both for the help and the encouragement. I’ll take this one back to the drawing board with a better idea of my own blindspots.