This quote beautifully encapsulates the complex duality of human experience: the recognition of inevitable solitude amidst relationships and the sanctuary we find within ourselves. Betty’s acceptance of an enduring sense of aloneness speaks to a universal truth—no one can truly fill the internal void left by loneliness. Yet, within this solitude emerges a poignant, almost mystical, sanctuary; a “small special place” where beauty, memories, and fantasies intermingle seamlessly. This connection between past and imagination offers Betty a unique refuge from the external world’s unpredictability.

The metaphor of the opulent ocean and the pebble artfully illustrates how fragile yet boundless this internal world is. The ocean is vast and powerful, symbolizing the depth of her inner life, while the pebble denotes her transient self within that immensity, capable of being lost yet somehow part of something magnificent. Even when faced with rejection—when this inner sanctuary or the external world fails her—the quote reflects hope and resilience, as Betty anticipates "catching the light of the sun again."

This imagery portrays the cyclical nature of pain and healing, reminding us of the importance of nurturing our inner refuge in times of external alienation. It speaks to the human capacity for endurance, highlighting that while loneliness can be a profound companion, the internal capacity to transform pain into beautiful, sustaining memories and hopes allows survival and eventual rebirth.

Overall, the passage broadly contemplates themes of isolation, hope, imagination, and resilience. Its lyricism and depth invite reflection on how we relate to ourselves and the importance of cultivating that small, protected inner world as a source of strength and solace.