Sending messages to the wrong person
There is a situation irony in the text because readers know that Clara is sending text messages to a stranger, but she is unaware. Clara thinks she is texting Ben’s phone number, but a stranger receives those messages. After the death of Ben, the mobile operator assigned his number to Sven. However, Clara is unaware because she thinks no one can access late Ben’s phone number.
The Irony of Sven
Sven is a paradoxical character. When he first starts receiving texts from an anonymous woman, he ignores the message terming them useless. Ironically, at last, Sven starts enjoying reading Clara’s message. If Clara fails to send a text message, Sven feels sad because he looks forward to those lovely messages from the woman he has never seen in his entire life.
Clara’s welcome back to the office
When Clara finishes her leave after her husband’s death, she reports to the office. Clara does not know that her boss and fellow workmates have organized a welcoming party to usher her back into the office after a long sorrowful leave. After arriving at her office, she discovers no one is around. However, fellow workmates waited for her to enter and then surprised her. The narrator writes, “The whole office erupts into a many-voiced shout as she turns the handle and opens the door. The whole team is standing in a semicircle around her desk and looking at her expectantly. Over her, Mac hangs a banner with the words ‘Welcome Back!” Clara is shocked that the whole team gives her a surprise welcome, but she appreciates their efforts because they make her feel much better.
