conventions surrounding marriage. The opening of the novel introduces Pauline and her husband, Facial, in a conversation about aging, love, and the nature of their relationship. As they discuss their thoughts on marriage and fidelity, Pauline expresses frustration at the superficiality of her husband's views and their lack of deep emotional connection. Through their dialogue, it becomes apparent that Pauline feels trapped in a conventional marriage, lacking the passionate love that she yearns for. The discord between their perspectives raises poignant questions about societal norms, desire, and what it means to truly love someone, foreshadowing the inner turmoil Pauline will face as the narrative unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)