What purpose do the hills, railroad tracks, station, and precise time reference in the first paragraph serve?

The
setting and reference to the hills that look like white elephants reinforce that the Jig is
pregnant.

The lovers are sitting in the shade just outside the station. 
Beyond them is the light and tracks and baron landscape.  As they sit in the shade, they begin
discussing Jig having an abortion.  In this way, they are trying to bring the issue into the
light and get it out in the open.  Yet, they never say the world abortion or really talk about
her pregnancy directly.  They are keeping it 'in the shade' - so to
speak. 

Their relationship does not seem one that will lead to anything
permanent, which may well be the reason the American is pushing her to have the abortion.  With
this realization, Jig has a new perception of their relationship, one that is thrown into the
harsh light of reality, like the tracks and baron landscape before them.  The fact that the man
does not want a child, which would make them a family, does this crush any illusions she might
have about him and their future?  Plus, without the child would she feel baron like the
landscape?

The precise information about time at the end of the first
paragraph reinforces the briefness of not only this story but also the couple's relationship. 
Like the train on its brief stop, we are offered only a brief moment in the lives of these
characters.  With the decision made, will the relationship be as brief as the train stop and our
glimpse into their lives?