In Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking," the author reflects on a moment from the summer when she realized she hadn't received any letters from John. This absence struck her as significant, particularly considering the close relationship they shared over the years. The rarity of their physical separations made this realization even more poignant.

Didion's lack of correspondence from John not only highlights their connection but also underscores the depth of her emotional distress. It serves as a reminder of the stark emptiness that can accompany loss, making her grief more palpable as she navigates through her memories and the reality of their shared life.