Slow Dance

Shiloh and Cary's relationship symbolizes the complexities and intensity of first love, depicting it not merely as a fleeting teenage experience but as a profound and enduring force that continues to impact them long after their initial connection. Although their bond runs deep, they never openly acknowledge their feelings for each other as romantic love. They concede, “You can’t date your best friend in high school” and avoid acting on their feeling for fear of ruining their friendship both with each other and with Mikey (93). This unspoken love forms the basis of their relationship, creating a powerful connection that endures despite the passage of time and the changes in their lives. Shiloh goes to college, while Cary joins the Navy, leading them on separate paths. However, Rowell’s narrative emphasizes that their memories of their time together and their shared emotions remain. Rowell’s inclusion of the first time they have sex in Shiloh’s dorm after Cary finishes boot camp acts as a starting point for the trajectory of their relationship in the present-day timeline of the story. In Shiloh’s dorm, Cary fights to control his overwhelming feelings for Shiloh and creates a missed opportunity to share with her the depth of his affection.