posted on Aug, 14 2008 @ 08:43 PM
reply to post by Valhall
Val, is it possible that the "emotional schism" you suspect stems from Matthew's coming to terms with being gay?
A dedicated, intelligent midwestern college student. Intense, focused, somewhat anti- or at least non-social, tells no one, including (especially) his
parents of his plans to "change his life".
(It was never stated, or perhaps I missed it, was Matthew an only child?)
He tidies up his old life, and quietly dissapears, leaving no trace (and taking nothing traceable (ie.: his computer) with him) behind. Remember the
windshield shade? Easier to sleep in the car if the one window that can't be tinted is covered. The car cover? Wouldn't want to risk some one
running the plates of a vehicle parked somewhere for an extended period.
Why berkeley, CA? Possibilty of a job as a teacher's assistant at a large university with a good computer science department; and easy access to San
Francisco, so-called gay Mecca, a legendary magnet to all those otherwise disenfranchised folks not seeking fame and stardom, but love and acceptance.
Love they dare not mention to the folks; acceptance they couldn't hope for from old friends.
Did Matthew have a steady girlfriend before his disappearance?
Perhaps the new identity Matthew sought was one that he felt he could not talk about to anyone who knew the "old" Matthew.