I now realize that, possibly all along, I had been eager to marry. This rite of passage, relayed to me by companions who had gone through it, earned one respect from the whole community. And respect was something I had only in small quantities. I imagined a life with Juliet— such a quiet, analytical woman. Silvia was always talking, even when no one was there to listen. Silvia's silence was especially talkative— it seemed to draw everyone to her. But Juliet seems to camouflage with her environment, her words too meaningless to be remembered.