Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa is the overarching setting for the entirety of the short story. Dr. von Leinsdorf moves to the city for work, and in the narrative present, has been living here for five years. The girl is a native of the city, and lives in a farther reach of the town, per the segregation laws.

Throughout the story, the characters' relationship is defined by the city and country's apartheid laws.

Supermarket

The supermarket is located in Johannesburg, across the street from Dr. von Leinsdorf's apartment building. One night while grocery shopping, he tells the cashier that they are all out the razors he favors. She promises to set some aside for him when the shipment arrives.

The next week, the girl runs into the man outside the supermarket, an interaction that initiates their coming intimate relationship.

Atlantis

Atlantis is the name of the apartment building...