Atdtda34: Loss, 962

[Paul Nightingale]

The development of a relationship following Cyprian’s departure, Reef and
Yashmeen isolated, in a “separate sorrow” or “partial vacuum”. There appears
to be little communication, perhaps even resistance to any discussion of
Cyprian, until Reef gives in, “finally”, having “[given] up his restless
scouting of likely honky-tonks”. Reef has, then, changed and perhaps
replaced Cyprian as Yashmeen’s companion.

We then read that the absent Cyprian is represented by “a pile of [his]
discarded clothing” and Y says she “could pretend to be him”. So Yashmeen
also is seen as a replacement for Cyprian, less an ‘individual’ here than a
(narrative) space to regulate the relationship between the other two. One
might recall the frequent (re)appearance of Webb as a ghost whenever one of
his sons requires it: Frank’s dream (649-650), the séance (671-673), Kit’s
dream (673-674), and Reef’s dream (887-888).

Yashmeen and Reef have kept Cyprian’s clothing as they continue to travel;
and this section raises the possibility of a tension in their relationship.
Yashmeen is prepared, as she sees it, to indulge Reef here, “the hopefulness
in her voice more than he knew how to respond to”. The section opens with
Reef “heartbroken” and holding Ljubica “sometimes; it ends with Yashmeen’s
observation that he holds her in the same way. She resents either him or the
thought, even as she fails to resist the embrace. One role she is prepared
to play, the other not.