In this passage from "A Scanner Darkly," characters Bob and Luckman reflect on their pasts, revealing a shared sense of loss and the impact of their experiences. Luckman expresses a sense of nostalgia, noting that he once felt as young as everyone else, while Arctor echoes this sentiment, suggesting they both have changed in significant ways. The dialogue hints at an unspoken trauma or experience that has affected them deeply.

As the conversation progresses, the mood becomes somber as they choose to avoid discussing the cause of their transformations. Arctor's physical description—his sallow face in the dim light—further emphasizes their decline and the toll that life has taken on them. This moment captures the themes of identity and the effects of a challenging reality common in Philip K. Dick's work.