In John Irving's "The Cider House Rules," the narrative explores complex themes of love and longing. The protagonist grapples with the meaning of expressing feelings, particularly in the context of absence. The quote, "And how do I say 'I miss you'? he wondered - when I don't mean 'I want to come back!'" encapsulates his struggle to articulate emotions that are deeply felt yet conflicted.

This reflection highlights the nuances of relationships and the difficulty of conveying sentiments without implying a desire for reconciliation. The character's internal conflict reveals a broader commentary on how people navigate their feelings, emphasizing that missing someone does not always equate to wanting to return to them.