As Stephen King said "Fiction is a Lie, Good Fiction is the Truth within the Lie"

Yes, that's the only way when you can't find a incontrovertible answer.

Well it wasn't question really since I was doubtful whether I missed some important in the story. But yes, Indians do use the word doubt more often as we have done the same in our schools.

I feel since it has already been laid down that Ralph died, it is better to assume that this must have been her inner thoughts.

I thought of that possibility but since it did not explicitly say it was the reason that confused me so much.