Summary

Eileen and Simon continued to stay in touch throughout Eileen's early 20s, meeting one another occasionally and even sleeping together. At times, they both were dating different people, and they would often discuss the nature of relationships. Simon began dating a woman named Natalie, and dated her for four years. Eileen worked odd jobs while pursuing her Master's degree in Irish literature. After Simon's relationship ended with Natalie, Eileen visited him in Paris. They went to museums together and slept together. Upon her return, Eileen broke up with her boyfriend at the time. Later on, Eileen met a man named Aidan at a party and they began dating. They eventually moved in together, and Eileen expressed to her former roommate Alice that "Everything in life is incredibly beautiful... I can’t believe it’s possible to be so happy" (11). Three years later, Aidan and...