In this quote from *Outlander* by Diana Gabaldon, the intensity of desire is powerfully expressed. The speaker reveals a deep emotional yearning that persists even after parting, emphasizing how physical longing intertwines with emotional connection. This kind of desire is depicted as so overwhelming that it causes physical sensations, like tightness in the chest and an urge to touch the beloved.

The passage illustrates the theme of unrelenting desire within relationships, suggesting that love brings not only joy but also a painful longing when apart. The longing described reflects the depth of the characters' feelings, highlighting how powerful their bond is and how, despite distance, their desire for each other remains strong and all-consuming.