Alone with You in the Ether: A Love Story

In thinking about time, Aldo considers at what point in Regan’s life she lost “her sense of wonder with her own life” (143) or if she had ever had it at all. Meeting Regan’s family, he immediately understands that she’s Charlotte when she’s with her parents and sister. He’s introverted and speaks little around her family, sometimes zoning out and not even noticing when Regan’s mother, Helen, speaks to him. Regan and her mother argue when Helen questions Regan for bringing a seemingly random person to her anniversary party and calls Regan impulsive and immature. During that time, Aldo and Madeline have a chance to talk, and Aldo expresses his admiration for Regan. He tells Madeline that Regan, to him, is like an infinitely complex problem, and because she’s ever-changing, it can never be solved. Madeline seems to understand this, and she likes Aldo, unlike Helen. When Regan comes outside to see Aldo, carrying an old joint from years ago in her hand, Aldo thinks about how, if Regan can no longer feel a sense of wonder, he’ll feel it for her and help bring it back. Regan and Aldo get close, and she runs her fingers over his hair and lips, but Aldo breaks the moment before they kiss.