Chopin writes: “The empty look and the look of terror that had followed it disappeared from his eyes. They remained lively and shiny. The flowing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of his body” (116). Louise could relax because she was finally free of her husband's domination and domination over her. Her heart beats fast, showing that Louise feels her new freedom not only emotionally, but also physically. She spreads her arms and says: “Body and soul free!” » (116). She repeats this to herself over and over, showing that her new freedom is for her and that she is no longer dependent on her husband. At this point in the story, she is known as Louise, not Mrs. Mallard, her husband's name. She can live completely for herself and be independent for the first time. Unfortunately, in a shocking turn of events, someone comes at the door and her husband walks in, alive and well. The sight of her husband makes her heart stop. Chopin writes: “When the doctors came, they said she had died of heart disease – from the joy that kills” (117). How sad that she was only able to be independent and free for one hour of her life. And even after she died at the sight of her husband, it is assumed that she died of joy at seeing him. No one will ever know how trapped she felt in her marriage and in her life. It's a shame that she couldn't live her life the way she wanted: “Free! Free body and soul!”