The quote reflects a poignant moment of introspection, suggesting a deep sense of loss and the impact of a loved one's death on one's identity. The speaker grapples with the idea that their true self may never return, indicating a profound change brought about by grief. The connection between the person who has passed and the speaker's sense of self is highlighted, suggesting that their relationship played a crucial role in their identity.

This realization leads to an emotional struggle as the speaker confronts the permanence of their loss. The longing for the past and the wish for things to return to normal reveals the challenges that come with dealing with grief. The acknowledgment that only if the loved one were alive would things be as they once were underscores the depth of their bond and the uncertainty of navigating life without that person.