Out of interest who is convinced that Maura is still alive? Could you provide reasons? I sincerely want to be convinced.
Reasons I think she could be alive:
1. She packed up her dorm and took off without telling anyone. Working from sheer logic- why do you pack up all your belongings?- because you are planning to leave somewhere.
2. There is no hint of foul play at the 2nd crash scene. As far as we know, she left the scene voluntarily and the speed at which she left indicates to me she knew EXACTLY where she was heading. Plus- we have the sighting of RF (which may, or may not be reliable).
3. It is not out of the realms of possibility for people to just disappear into the ether and start a new life. Its not as difficult as people think it is and its happened on more than one occasion (there have even been cases of people using their own SS number and one joining the army whilst being registered as a *missing person*).
4. She had motivation. We know her family was rigid and controlling. We know they like to portray Maura as the "all American girl" and seem to prefer this fake version of Maura to the *real* Maura, the human Maura- faults and all.
5. She was emotionally unstable. We know she was secretive and kept her cards close to her chest. We also know she was struggling with some emotional issues and dysfunctional coping methods- bulimia, stealing, drinking. This indicates to me a person who feels out of control of their life and more than a little unhappy.
Reasons I dont think she ran away: (ironically, some of these reasons are the same as above lol).
1. She packed up her belongings- why would she do this if she planned to run away without a trace?- its a huge sign to people of her intention to go. Why would she have conducted those internet searches for places to stay on her computer?- again, thats a dead giveaway of her intentions.
2. Why did she use her own, unreliable car and why was she drinking? if you are trying execute a mysterious *disappearance* it seems more than a bit unwise to do it in your car which someone is bound to find and why drink?- this kind of planning calls for a clear head. Drinking= sloppy mistakes
3. If her family were truly *that* unbearable then why did she see her father regularly?- by all accounts she spent a lot of time with her father- doesnt seem like something you would do if your relationship was that fractured.
4. Was Maura really brave enough to start a new life? she was young and she had emotional issues- its a very radical action to take and it will involve a life of running and covering your tracks. Was Maura really up for that forever?
Just a few thoughts.