The Paradise Problem

On the beach, Anna is afraid to sit on the sand and get her dress dirty because she wants to sell the garment when she gets home. Liam begs her to keep the dress because she looks perfect in it. They discuss different perceptions of value and analyze how money affects people’s views. When Anna asks Liam what he could lose that would devastate him, he realizes that he cannot lose the battle with his father. Anna admits that her most cherished possession is her kitchen drawer full of packets of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, because it prompts a memory of the time when she and Vivi accidentally spilled a whole can of cheese in the apartment; this was after Liam moved out. Their digression makes them crave pizza, so they sneak into the kitchen of a remote pavilion.

In the kitchen of the pavilion, Anna and Liam have sex. Anna describes the experience as “honest” and the best of her life. Afterward, they think about walking back to the bungalow to sleep, but Anna worries about snakes and other wildlife. Liam teasingly promises to protect her, and she solemnly says that she worries about who will protect him.