This interaction shows how Annie sees herself as a parent teaching her child (Paul) a difficult lesson (the lesson is to avoid making her angry, lest she punish him again). Perhaps because of this, Annie believes Paul’s tears when he breaks down as a child might after being shamed by their parent. Astonishingly, the guilt Paul feels is sincere, and he resents how much real control Annie has over him. Just as Paul barely escaped detection in this scene, the snowfall seems to indicate a reprieve from suffering, as it presumably covers his car once more, thereby prolonging his life.