The Trailer

Gracie and Marlon take their smoke breaks behind the trailer where Gracie works. In the trailer is a machine that Gracie calls the "kidney pounder," meant to break up patients' kidney stones to make them easier to pass. The trailer is a consistent element of Marlon and Gracie's otherwise intermittent relationship.

Newburgh, New York

The majority of the story takes place in Newburgh, New York, where Marlon works in the hospital and Gracie frequently follows the trailer. Although there is not a lot of detail provided about the city, the story suggests that it is an impoverished town with much to be desired. When Gracie and Marlon drive up north through Newburgh, Marlon thinks that the road they are on is actually the loneliest road in America.

Nevada

Marlon grew up on the Shoshone Reservation in Nevada. The story does not provide many details about his upbringing...