However, Coral has borne the effects of the tragedy much harder and still has difficulty properly engaging in social situations, unable to overcome the grief of her deceased son. Coral: 'All these children are having fun, playing and I'm sitting there in the dark drying my tears.' (Act 1, Scene 3) The test of Coral's damaged soul is triggered by the constant memory of her beloved son. Her inability to accept the terms of death is conveyed, due to a severe, accumulated love for him, forcefully contained within her and incapable of being communicated. Little information is given about Coral and her son's relationship before her death. However, the parallels between Rick and his son are formed by Coral imagining that the young man is somehow a duplicate of her son. When Rick asks Coral why she enjoys his company so much, she replies "You're still alive." You are still alive and talking and laughing.' (Act 3, scene 3) It is likely that Coral created this illusion in her mind out of love and intense emotional attachment towards her son, as a way to deal with the pain and trauma of his loss. As a result, a quiet love forms towards Rick, creating an awkward relationship. Their interesting bond is seen as unusual and troubling by Roy and Rick's wife. Roy also struggles deeply with his son's disappearance, yet his emotions are mostly hidden and overshadowed by Coral's extremity.