Although these arias are sung by the character Alyce, in the production they represent the younger and older versions of herself and are played by two different singers. Young Alyce sings My Darling Jim, writing a letter to her husband prior to his being taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. The first aria captures emotions through a brief snapshot of everyday life. The second takes place after his return from captivity. Alyce has moved on with her life with another man. The aria is painful and moving as she suggests that, while he can see "the kids," he certainly doesn't have to see her face ever again.