As Corbeau and S walk, S notes the S symbol. She thinks it interesting that he notes architecture while his life is in danger. When he notes that he’s seen the symbol around, Corbeau responds with “It might simply be something traditional, of course…you’ll probably see them everywhere,” (131) but he doesn’t, even as they walk down dozens of streets. This shows that the “S” symbol really does have some significance.

This exchange is almost all of what is on the page-page 131 mostly just continues the story of the last few pages.

Corbeau says to S “Pretend we belong together,” (131) which Eric underlines, asking Jen if she’s ready. Jen responds that she’s not, but she’ll do it anyways. This is purposefully vague, leaving the reader guessing as to what they could be attempting. The answer does not come on this page.

At the top of the page Jen asks Eric if he “put that S on the bulletin board at the cafe,” (131), and he responds that he did. He “wanted to say hi,” (131). This type of cute, fun exchange is indicative of the nature of their relationship. Jen responds that it’s sweet, but it freaked her out, which is indicative of her general state of mind.

There is a footnote about how “Straka had little patience for those who demand an epic romance if male and female characters simply glimpse one another,” (131), meaning that S is explicitly not a romantic rival to Stenfalk. His relationship with Corbeau is strictly platonic.

Eric notes that FXC is unnecessarily emphatic in her footnote, leading Jen to write “She was def. jealous about whatever connection Durand had to Straka.” (131) This shows that Jen and Eric strongly suspect that FXC was romantically interested in Straka. Jen and Eric go on to say that Straka and Durand must have had an affair because of the material in “Painted Cave” and Prague.

Finally, Jen and Eric discuss how S signs show up everywhere. The conversation quickly shifts to Jen and her research skills. Eric says grad school might actually be good for her, which underscores how bad it was for him, and shows that he has a very high opinion of her.