In Kelley Armstrong's "The Gathering," a conversation reveals the uncertainty between two characters regarding age and identity. One character questions his age, showing a sense of confusion or disconnection from his own timeline. The other responds with skepticism, indicating that any information provided to the school might be misleading, emphasizing a theme of uncertainty and mistrust that runs throughout the narrative.

The interaction highlights their shared experience of being sixteen, yet it also reflects a deeper existential crisis. The mention of birthdays adds a layer of personal significance and suggests a fleeting nature of time and relationships, as the speaker cynically mentions sending a card next year, hinting at doubt about their future together.