The characters in the story experience a unique form of isolation that is not entirely negative. Despite the father's popularity as a schoolteacher, they find themselves distanced from their community. This separation arises from various factors, including Sara's health issues and their different interests, such as the magazines they read and the radio shows they enjoy, which set them apart from their peers.

Additionally, Sara's creative choices, like making her own clothes from Vogue patterns rather than more common ones, further emphasize their divergence from conventional norms. Their efforts to maintain a sense of youth and individuality contrast with the more typical appearances and behaviors of other parents in their surroundings, suggesting a profound, if somewhat lonely, striving for a distinct identity.