Town

Andrés's town is symbolic of the past. Andrés is reluctant to visit the town at the start of the novel, because he knows it will remind him of his former life. Throughout his time in this setting, Andrés finds himself encountering a slew of emotional triggers, all of which threaten to unsettle his life and identity in the present.

Reunion

Andrés's high school reunion is symbolic of confrontation. Throughout the years since high school, Andrés has intentionally avoided these gatherings, terrified of returning to the past. By deciding to attend the twentieth reunion, therefore, Andrés is demonstrating his desire to confront and thus to reconcile with his past.

Basements

The basements where Andrés and Jeremy spend time over the years are symbolic of secrecy and shame. In their youth, the boys learn that their sexual orientation is not only...