The relationship between Qwill and Joy seems roughly to parallel that of Rick and Ilsa in Casablanca (motion picture, 1942). Both couples share bittersweet memories of an earlier romance and painful parting; and, in each case, meeting again rekindles their old passion.

Nevertheless, both couples realize the impossibility of recapturing the past and thus the futility of trying to revive their former relationship. Even before Joy's disappearance, Qwill knows that they cannot be more than friends.