Content Warning: This section contains references to anti-gay bias, the stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, and death.

Throughout the novel, several close relationships exist involving two characters and leaving out a third character, thus creating resentment, sadness, and jealousy for the third character. Greta, for example, is keenly aware that she is on the outside of Finn and June’s close connection. Though Finn repeatedly invites Greta along on outings he plans with June, Greta declines, feeling as though he does so out of a sense of obligation—that it is June alone, not Greta, with whom he wishes to spend time. From June’s perspective, this special connection is one that Greta has opted out of, and June values the way in which she is able to share things with Finn that she cannot share with others. Greta, however, regards Finn and June’s connection as drawing June away from Greta. Greta is unable to imagine or perceive harmony among the three of them, suggesting that to Greta, June has chosen between two important people in her life.

June herself experiences similar jealousy when she learns of Toby and the important role he played in Finn’s life. She is angered that Finn shared a close connection with a person other than her.