In Alice Munro's "Runaway," Green grapples with a deep sense of uncertainty regarding the emotional landscape of her relationships. She is unaware of the true depths of her feelings, particularly the coldness that accompanies her desire for connection and fulfillment. Green's struggle reflects her internal conflict between longing for companionship and the solitude that her imagination conjures.

As she navigates her desires, Green becomes increasingly aware that the joy she seeks cannot be easily attained. The narrative illustrates her realization that the ideas and ideals she cherishes are, in reality, elusive, leaving her to confront the limitations of her expectations and the reality of her experiences.