In terms of drinking, the author uses it as a means of showing how the two were not keen on having a meaningful discussion about their problems and how to solve them. Throughout the story, while the two wait for the train, the author points out that they both drink alcohol as if trying to avoid the important discussions they were having. As soon as the two set foot in the station, they order large beers in the hope that drinking will take up as much time as possible and not give them the opportunity to communicate. The lack of effort in the conversation about how to deal with the white elephant or the child is shown when the girl asks to order more alcohol just to avoid that discussion. The reader may also get the feeling that the two are also drinking to forget about other problems they seem to have during their relationship. This is represented when the girl points out that the two don't really engage in any other activities besides tasting new alcoholic beverages. You may also think that due to the drinking and lack of communication between the two, the future is not that far away for them and that they are destined to go their separate ways. This is shown as they part ways while the girl drinks with another