In Haruki Murakami's novel "After Dark," the notion of distance is explored through the lens of human perception. What may appear to be an acceptable span for one individual can be perceived as overwhelming or distant by another. This highlights the subjective nature of experiences and feelings, suggesting that our understanding of distance is deeply personal and influenced by our individual circumstances.

The quote emphasizes the differences in how people relate to their environments and each other. It invites readers to reflect on their own interpretations of space and distance, illustrating that personal emotions can shape our understanding of the world. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, revealing the intricate dynamics of human connections and the varying significance we attribute to physical and emotional distances.