No wonder he dresses in black. He didn't exist when this film was made. It's no surprise then that the character has been in prison for 15 years. Worse yet, it could all end. That isn't truly what life is about.
Life is about love and truth and emotion and honesty.
In the end, however, she is redeemed. The end of the film seems cryptic but becomes clearer upon numerous viewing. Shelley's character listens again for the sound of a nuclear explosion. But it isn't there. Emotion and hopefulness have entered her life.