I have to admit, half the time I don't really understand what's going on in this series! Which actually doesn't bother me so much, because it doesn't come across as something confused. It comes across a little more like a puzzle box, presented in fragments and needing me to put it together, and that's interesting to me. It piques curiosity. 

That being said, a large part of this particular issue is fairly straightforward back story, following what happened to Mason after his wife died. It's clear that he feels substantial regret - as he damn well should - for his jealous, abusive actions, but it's also clear, I think, that it's genuinely felt rather than self-pity, and that he's actively trying to do better in his caretaking of little Sissy. I'm still not sure whether Ginny is his daughter or Death's, and honestly I hope that's never entirely cleared up, because the ambiguity adds something to the tragedy of the entire situation. 

That relatively straightforward narrative doesn't last, though, and the end sequence with the rising waters is baffling. I don't quite get it, but I trust it will all make sense eventually!