Money

Money symbolizes gratitude. Twice in the story, Pauline leaves large sums of money for Aidan as he works at the hotel – first as a server in the restaurant, and second at the front desk when he calls the taxis for her and the man who accompanies her. Pauline, clearly wealthy, shows her gratitude and interest in Aidan through leaving him money. This element of her character is emblematic of her typical life, which is likely full of wealthy or famous people based on her career as a screenwriter.

Fireworks

The fireworks that Aidan and Pauline watch symbolize the height of their intimacy together. After the fireworks, "Aidan realizes, obscurely, that a lot depends now on Pauline’s having enjoyed the fireworks—that if she didn’t enjoy them, if she thought they were boring, not only will he no longer like her but he will no...