In Haruki Murakami's "South of the Border, West of the Sun," the narrator reflects on a person who has remained significant to him over time. He compares this connection to a reserved spot in a restaurant, symbolizing the unique and untouched place she occupies in his heart, even when life takes them in different directions.

This enduring bond highlights the theme of lost love and longing. Despite the narrator's belief that their paths may never cross again, the sentiment remains strong, illustrating how some relationships leave a lasting imprint, regardless of the passage of time or circumstances.