“The only thing harder than leaving is being left behind.”
The focus of the narrative is on the two teen lovers who are about to go separate ways jeopardizing the future of their relationship. Smith delves into the mindset of teenagers who are grappling with the inevitable fact that relationships and friendships can end. In this case, she incorporates different characters including Scotty, Clare’s friend, who will also be affected by their departure. The quote emphasizes the sense of loneliness that the people left behind such as Scotty are harboring. Though he acts as if nothing is happening Clare notices the gloominess around Scotty that he cannot hide. The eve of their departure reveals the fragility of friendships, especially for teenagers whose lives are waiting for them ahead.
“Maybe the world isn't full of signs so much as it's full of people trying to use whatever evidence they can find to convince themselves of what they hope to be true.”
Though their love story could have been promising, Clare and Aidan’s lives are heading in different directions. They have few hours to decide the fate of their relationship thereby each seeks signs to justify their choice. Clare has an easier time choosing to break up, unlike Aidan who is relying on signs to know the right choice. During the night several encounters lead to new revelations and truths that make the decision both harder and simpler. They have opposing personalities in how they approach life decisions with Aidan tending towards being positive. In the quote, the narrator highlights this predisposition to interpret signs to suit the preference of the individual.
“Because how do you say goodbye to a piece of yourself?”
Clare and Aidan are adolescents who have yet to make life-changing decisions until now with their relationship. On one hand, it is the future of their education and on the other the possibility of a perfect romantic experience. They both understand the necessity of choosing their education even though the breakup will hurt them. Moreover, the option of a long-distance relationship is in the cards but it means they have to adapt to the change. The action that hounds them the entire night is saying goodbye to each other and going separate paths. They are at a crossroads in their lives where they have to choose what to abandon and live with the consequences.
