The drive back to the Mid-fucking-west was always brutal, his parents barely speaking to each other, as if suddenly recalling last year's infidelities, or maybe contemplating whom they'd settle for this year. Sex, if you went by Griffin's parents, definitely took a backseat to real estate on the passion gauge.
In the book "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo, the drive back to the Midwest highlights the strained relationship between Griffin's parents. Their silence suggests underlying tensions, which may stem from past infidelities or the pressures of choosing suitable partners. This lack of communication indicates an emotional distance between them.
The narrative portrays how personal relationships, particularly intimacy, seem overshadowed by practical concerns like real estate. This juxtaposition emphasizes the idea that passion in their lives has become secondary to materialistic pursuits, illustrating a broader commentary on the complexities of modern relationships.