In terms of drinking, the author uses it to show how the two were unwilling to have a meaningful discussion about their problems and on how to resolve them. Throughout the story, as the two wait for the train, the author points out that they both drink alcohol as if they are trying to avoid the important discussions they are having. As soon as they set foot in the station, they order large beers in the hope that drinking will take them as long as possible and will not give them the opportunity to communicate. The lack of engagement in the conversation about how to handle the white elephant or the baby manifests itself when the girl asks to order more alcohol just to avoid having that discussion. The reader may also get the impression that the two are also drinking to forget other problems they seem to have throughout their relationship. This is illustrated when the girl points out that the two don't really engage in any activities other than tasting new alcoholic beverages. We can also think that due to the drinking and lack of communication between the two, the future is not that far away for them and they are forced to go their separate ways. This is shown when they break up when the girl drinks with another