In "The Bay of Noon" by Shirley Hazzard, the author explores the complexity of love and the emotions tied to longing and absence. The idea suggests that missing someone or something can deepen affection, as it preserves the essence of love through the memory and yearning for it. This perspective implies that distance, whether physical or emotional, can help maintain the significance of relationships.

The quote highlights the paradox of love, where removing oneself from a beloved environment or person may seem painful but can actually safeguard the love experienced. By embracing the state of missing, individuals create a lasting affection that often endures beyond immediate presence, emphasizing that love can persist in memory and longing.