Paraphernalia
Moroney writes, “She (the teacher) explained that some clients were drug addicts and that if we saw any needles or paraphernalia in the bathroom, we were not to touch them and to let the staff know. She provided straight-forward information and a plan with no fear or judgement.” The paraphernalia is indicative of drug abuse; the clients have not overcome their addiction, so they are projected to abuse drugs while at Martha’s. Touching the paraphernalia would be risky for the volunteers because it exposes to contamination.
Love
Moroney asserts, "I believe there are many, many kinds of love, and this was the kind of love that felt as though it had begun long before... I had the feeling that it was an old love, already familiar and comfortable, but wrapped in a layer of newness, romance, and attraction." Moroney's love for Jason is unconditional; it cannot be inhibited by Jason's past. Jason metaphorically smites Moroney that she does not abandon him after his crimes. If Moroney were not in love, she would have broken their relationship after Jason's confession regarding his criminal past. She strives to understand Jason although he literally deconstructs his life. Moroney falls for a pervert whom she cannot transform with her unqualified love.
Truth
Moroney explains, "In a face-to-face meeting with Jason's psychologist a few days later, he asked me to recount what I knew about Jason's crime. Repeating everything out aloud forced me to accept the truth even more deeply." The psychologist's approach is intended to ensure that Moroney is not in denial regarding Jason's truth. The psychologist recognizes that truth is imperative for Moroney before committing herself to love an ex-convict; otherwise, she would be irrational, which would doom their lives.
Narcissus
Moroney elaborates, "I learned that "injury" happens by an assault or rejection of that self-concept by another person. The responses to injury vary, but in some cases it is spontaneous violence…I remembered Narcissus from Greek mythology who fell in love with his reflection in a pool. When he tried to touch his reflection, he fell into the water and drowned." The report implies that Jason is similar to Narcissus since they are both narcissistic. Accordingly, Jason becomes aggressive to attain needs that would gratify is narcissistic, egoistical desires. Jason utilizes violence to prevent acts that are detrimental to attaining his narcissistic goals; so his ego heartens ferocity.
Bliss
Moroney narrates, “Jason moved in with me in June, four months after we’d met, we found ourselves enjoying simple, domestic bliss-cooking together, playing Scrabble, riding bikes, and entertaining friends. We never bickered or argued. He took me to meet his mother, aunt, and uncle in Quebec.” Such bliss is an indicator of the couple’s contentment. Moroney has accepted Jason unconditionally in his life. Moroney’s family is convinced that Jason is a reformed person who desires love and acceptance. However, the bliss is short-lived.
