The narrator is preparing to visit her grandparents in Toronto, but the person she is speaking to seems indifferent and only comments on the grandparents' age. There is a noticeable absence of any discussion about Alister, who has evidently caused pain or embarrassment, suggesting that the speaker is either ignoring the issue or has chosen to compartmentalize it. This behavior indicates a level of emotional detachment, as if the memory of Alister has been neatly stored away like an old item in a closet.

This lack of acknowledgment raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the impact of past events on their current interactions. The narrator reflects on her companion's ability to cope with past humiliations, suggesting either a remarkable resilience or a troubling disregard for unresolved feelings. The scene captures a moment of emotional complexity, highlighting how certain memories and experiences can be tucked away yet still resurface in subtle ways.