How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I'm free," Al admitted. "I have nothing, I'm the usual loser."
"You just wanted to make me suffer."
"What's the use of friendship?" he said, our version of What are friends for? (22.25 – 22.27)
What are friends for, anyway? What do you think is the most important thing Al does for Min over the course of the book?
Quote #5
I had a sudden question in my head there wasn't room for, a question about you, Ed. Al had just said it, You can tell me anything, and was waiting for me to say something…. But I couldn't ask it. […] My question didn't belong in Al's loyal kitchen with my friend wiping his hand on the towel tucked into his belt like always. (22.50)
Min's question, of course, is about sex—that is, whether or not she should have it with Ed. It isn't clear why Min thinks that question doesn't belong in Al's loyal kitchen. Could it be that, deep down inside, she suspects he has feelings for her?
Quote #6
This is how we were, Ed, me and Al. You never got it and I never really told you how it was, old married couple, Al's mom called it once and just laughed when Al said, "Well, Mamma, you should know." (22.65)
Ed and Min really are like an old married couple, finishing each other's sentences and wiping mustard off each other's faces. Do you think that means they have a shot at romance? Or does it reinforce the idea they're just platonic?