Isolation Quotes in The Girl on the Train

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

At some point I must have felt lonely, or happy, or something, because I wanted to talk to someone. (1.36)

When Rachel gets lonely, she gets desperate, and she calls her ex-husband. You know you're in a bad place when the only person you want to call is the person who doesn't want to ever hear from you again.

Quote #2

I waited for Scott to come and calm me down, but he wasn't at home. (4.3)

Megan's abandonment issues damage her relationship. Scott isn't cheating on Megan or anything like that; he's simply leaving for business purposes. Yet she still has an affair so she isn't lonely while he's gone.

Quote #3

"Oh. And she's all alone. That's a bit sad. […] They always go for you, the lonely ones, don't they? They make a beeline straight for you." (4.28, 4.30)

Scott is making a judgment about Megan's friend Tara, but he might as well be talking about Rachel, too. Rachel is also lonely, and she has latched onto Megan… or at least her idea of Megan.