Final answer:
Twyla and Roberta first encounter each other again in a grocery store as adults. Their friendship does not endure due to differing backgrounds and memories, particularly regarding their shared recollections of Maggie. These differences reflect the subjective nature of memory and the complexity of their relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Twyla first encounters Roberta again when both are adults in a grocery store. This is a pivotal moment as it resurrects memories from their past, specifically from their time at St. Bonny's, and rekindles their complex relationship. The encounter in the adulthood serves as a catalyst for further interactions and confrontations regarding their shared history and the differing recollections of Maggie, a character from their past at St. Bonny's.
The reason Twyla and Roberta don't stay friends over the course of their lives likely stems from their different backgrounds and the racial tensions that existed during their upbringing. As they grow older, their worlds and perspectives evolve in ways that diverge due to social and personal differences, causing a rift in their friendship.
The different memories of Maggie also speak to the complexity of their relationship. Twyla and Roberta have different stories about Maggie, which illustrates the subjective nature of memory and how personal biases and life experiences shape individual recollections. Their conflicting memories result in contrasting narratives about their past, further complicating their attempts to reconnect as adults.