In Alice Munro's "Runaway," the protagonist grapples with the aftermath of her escape from a troubling relationship. As she seeks freedom, she is forced to confront the emptiness that comes after leaving. The act of running away brings up profound questions about identity and the meaning of her choices. She realizes that although leaving may seem like liberation, it also leads to uncertainty about her future and what kind of life she truly desires.

The quote, "But when she was finished running away, when she just went on, what would she put in his place?" encapsulates this struggle. It highlights the difficulty of moving forward without the certainty of what comes next. The protagonist's journey suggests that fleeing from one's problems can lead to a disconcerting void, prompting reflection on personal aspirations and the complexity of human relationships.