Charlene's Apartment

Although the short story's specific geographical location is never mentioned, context clues suggest that Charlene lives in an apartment in New York, New York. Whenever she and the lover meet, they meet at her apartment. Charlene never explicitly describes them having sex, but rather consistently renders those scenes following their sexual encounters. The lovers are depicted lying in bed, talking, and smoking cigarettes. Such scenes particularly centralize the lover's departure. Charlene will describe the feeling of watching him leave her bed, dress, and exit the apartment. She is often left lying alone in the bed and listening to the city sounds outside the window.

In the latter days of the affair, Charlene spends more and more time alone at the apartment waiting for the lover to show up. She takes care with her appearance and lies on top of her blankets, wearing makeup, fancy lingerie, and jewelry...