Strange Scratch

The strange scratch that Sergey notices on Vica’s face is a symbol of the kissing marathon that she and Vadik had on the couch in Vica and Sergey’s Staten Island home. Vica got the scratch when she reached for Vadik but he pulled away from her. His belt buckle scratched her cheek. Sergey had seen this scratch on his wife’s cheek and has always suspected something happened between her and Vadik but has not wanted to know for sure.

Tweed Jacket

Vadik’s tweed jacket is a symbol of the New York intellectual that Vadik imagines himself to be. He is wearing this jacket when he first meets Rachel I. He buys a similar jacket from a second hand shop to wear when he decides to attend a reading being presented by one of Rachel’s writers.

Half-Dead Helium Balloon

The half-dead...