Ruth uses lists to remember her many daily responsibilities. Again, memory and forgetting figure prominently even in small, inconsequential situations, such as running through everyday tasks. Even though Ruth and LuLing seem to have a tense relationship, Ruth still references LuLing’s wisdom—such as the symbolic significance of the number nine—in her observations about daily life. Lastly, this brief interaction between Ruth and Art provides further evidence of their unhealthy relationship. It’s unreasonable of Art to call Ruth difficult here, yet she almost immediately gives in and submits to his request. She’s overly accommodating, and he seems to take advantage of that part of her personality.