Claire? he said, a question in his voice. I stopped, hand on the doorknob, feeling quite queer; he'd never called me by my name before. It took a small effort to look over my shoulder at him, but when I did, I found him smiling. Think of the deer, he said gently. My dear. I nodded, wordless, and made my escape. Only later, after I had washed-vigorously-dressed, and had a restorative cup of tea with brandy in it, did I make sense of this last remark. Its coming is a gift, he'd said of the white deer, which I accept with gratitude.
In this passage, Claire experiences a moment of surprise and vulnerability when someone addresses her by name for the first time. This unexpected acknowledgment causes her to feel a mix of emotions, but she chooses to move past it without fully engaging. His gentle smile and the evocative words he shares linger in her mind as she steps away, causing her to reflect on the deeper meaning of their exchange.
Later, as she prepares herself with drink and self-care, Claire contemplates his remark about the white deer, interpreting it as a symbol of a precious gift. The conversation resonates with her, inspiring gratitude for whatever this gift represents in her life. This moment signifies a deeper connection and understanding, showcasing how even simple interactions can hold significant emotional weight.
