I started reading this out loud (because I love the little asides that brackets provide) quite merrily--thinking "ok, this is going to be a bit comic". And I read and I read and then I read silently.
And by the time I got to April '10, I was sobbing right on through to the end.

I love the relaxed conversational tones and the interjections--like, this is Vanessa and Nina's story, and you know it because their voices form/intrude into the narration. It makes the story feel almost documentary-like and immediate.

Reading this reminds me that life not really objective--stories/memories are created, elaborated, misinterpreted depending on mood or circumstance [ex: Van & Nina's scenario battle in the beginning OR Van and NIna misunderstanding what the other is thinking]

The conversation in the first part--the meeting--plays out perfectly my head. The imagery & the voices are feel authentic.

I love the description of Vanessa & Nina sitting on the couch--the physicality of it & how acutely aware Vanessa is of Nina--and I loved the sensuality drawn out of the simple act of sitting on a couch. I think that scene would be more difficult to capture on film, and why I like text sometimes.

The gap between what they think and what they actually say (because saying what they think is too risky) is heartbreaking--as is what is wished for vs. what actually happens. One word or one gesture or one message delivered could have changed so much for them. (Or not.)

Two other lines that hit me: "Well, she thinks, this is life" and "...It's enough"

Thank you.