S. stops paying attention to Szalómé when he sees two men exchange a bomb. He also sees an “S” but makes no further comment of it. He seems to freeze in the moment and focuses in on the tragedy about to take place.

Eric sneaks around the school undetected.

Jen says she drew an S on campus and playfully challenges Eric to find it. For serious legal reasons, Eric isn’t amused, although Jen keeps teasing.  Eric reveals that entering and exiting the building is not as challenging as staying unnoticed. This exchange suddenly reminds us that Eric is an outcast — literally “expunged” from the university. Somehow, the reader overlooks this and focuses more on his good intentions than his reality. In a way, it makes him more noble; he’s experienced resistance but is committed to his work — like Straka.

At Eric’s request, Jen shares the story of the time she disappeared (see 100A). In the ensuing conversation, they bond over the damaged relationship they have with their parents. The two embody the previous idea that love is about finding someone who knows who you are (see page 97).

Jen & Eric and Sola & S. all portray different aspects of the mystery of love.

Typically, people do not share these kinds of personal stories without meeting each other in person. However, the two are able to connect with only their words. This relationship is the opposite of S. and Szalzómé’s; S. and Szalzómé see each other but don’t communicate whereas Jen and Eric talk without seeing each other. In both cases, a sense of intuition keeps the relationship alive.