James Gray said someone told him that a police officer family member loved the ending, thinking it was upbeat. He asked, "How? His life was ruined." He couldn't believe any could see it as positive. On reflection, he decided it was OK for people to take it as they wish.
Soooo....all our perceptions are valid.
"a malcontent who knows how to spell"
Law Enforcement are sometimes referred to as the Thin Blue Line. This indicates they are small group holding back the evil of crime without the depth of support. If something happens to one of them no one is coming to save them, except another man in blue. When every one has left them because of their unwavering devotion to the job, to know that a brother in law enforcement(in this case a literal brother) loves them and supports them, is an encouraging thing. As a team, if one brother suffers from PTSD or is wounded permantly, who will take his place? Well it will not be an outsider, it will be a brother, and to know that there will always be a Brother who will step in and pick up where they left off is an amazing thing.
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It's not a happy ending, but nor is it a bleak one. The people involved lost a family member and the main character has lost his girlfriend (presumably for good), but the family still has the support of one another. I would call that a worthwhile ending.
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