There are clear differences and conflicts between the sisters in "Quiet Torrential Sound" by Joan Ackermann. The sisters, Monica and Claire, are very different and it is shown in what they order at the café and how they behave. The manner in which they act and speak not just to each other but also to the waiter is also very dissimilar. Not to mention their discussion about sexual intimacy or lack thereof on Monica’s behalf. We can begin by looking at what they ordered, Monica orders a decaf coffee with Sweet and Low and Claire orders a Coke and a hot fudge sundae. If you look at what Claire orders in comparison to what Monica orders you can see the difference in their indulgences and in a sense how they carry themselves. I do not believe that their orders are a reflection of their appetite, in my opinion their orders say more about their personalities than how much they want to eat. Monica’s order shows that she is trying to control her intake and possibly be healthier. She is concerned with her appearance, you not only see this when she orders her coffee with Sweet and Low and not regular sugar but this is further noticed when Monica reprimands Claire for what she has ordered. Also looking at that she ordered decaf coffee, she explains that regular coffee gives her problems with her digestive system, but she could have ordered water, soda, milk, etc. She chooses to take her chances and although I think she comes off a bit uptight and trying to repress some of her wants, her order helps demonstrate that she wants to give in to some of the things she likes. The manner in which Monica orders also gives that indication that she is intense and snobbish. This is not to say that she does not have manners as she tries to be somewhat courteous to the waiter but in her efforts to come off cultured and confirm that it is decaf coffee it can be noted that she comes off as rude. Monica is rigid in the manner in which she speaks and orders;