I have to admit that I cheated! I knew it was symbolic for a crossing, an event in life, but thought it was more of a conscious maturity situation.
Then I got confused a little with the "physical" encounters, and finally got my Ahha! moment when I read graciela's comment. 😅

I think I do get the full scope of "no author intrusion" now. I didn't realise it can actually be a complete art in itself!