Naguib Mahfouz's quote from "Palace Walk" suggests that even when someone has managed to forget their troubles, they can be brought back to those feelings by well-meaning words of comfort from others. The intent behind the comfort can trigger past sorrows, revealing how fragile a person's emotional state can be beneath a seemingly composed surface.

This insight highlights the complexity of human emotions and the impact that words can have. It reminds us that while we may seek to provide support, we must be mindful of how we approach others, as our attempts to help could inadvertently reopen old wounds, prompting a confrontation with unresolved pain.