Finding Cinderella

The maintenance closet is a symbol of anonymity and intimacy within the text that provides the space in which Daniel and Six’s relationship begins. The anonymity that the closet provides enables Daniel and Six (then referred to as Cinderella) to be more intimate and vulnerable with one another than they would allow themselves to be otherwise. Although they are strangers to each other, in the dark of the maintenance closet, Six and Daniel become quickly intimate both emotionally and physically.

From their first interaction after Six falls on top of him, Daniel feels an innate sense of connection to her: “I feel her whole body sigh on top of me. Even though I have no idea who she is or what she looks like, I can feel the sadness in her and it makes me a little sad in return” (3). Daniel can feel the emotional weight that Six carries around with her, and because of their burgeoning connection, Daniel takes on some of that emotion as well. She continues to have this effect on him as their connection progresses: “The sound of her laughter actually makes my heart hurt. It hurts because I really want to know who this chick is, but I know once I find out, I more than likely won’t want her like I want her right now” (8).