For a long time, she held a special place in my heart. I kept this special place just for her, like a "Reserved" sign on a quiet corner table in a restaurant. Despite the fact that I was sure I'd never see her again.
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.