Mixtapes and CDs are the novel’s central motif, representing the deliberate act of preserving memory and the belief that love can survive deep loss by “rewinding back” to its foundational moments. This tradition begins as Hallie’s childhood hobby, a way to commemorate important events by attaching a song to them so that she can “rewind it back and start the song from the beginning” (32). When she shares this private ritual with Rio, it evolves into the primary language of their relationship. The playlists chronicle their shared history, becoming tangible archives of their love. For six years, while they’re separated by trauma and misunderstanding, Rio’s secret preservation of these mixtapes is an act of unwavering faith. By keeping and listening to them, he refuses to let their connection die, actively sustaining his love through memory even in Hallie’s absence. This dedication illustrates the novel’s theme of The Endurance of Love Through Shared Memories, suggesting that love isn’t a passive feeling but an active practice of remembrance. Rio’s choice to revive the tradition by making a new playlist upon their reunion signifies their commitment to building a future on the foundation of their shared past.