For now that they could not be together, they must be infinitely apart, and what had been sure and unshakable was now fragile and insubstantial; from the moment we are not together, Alai is a stranger, for he has a life now that will be no part of mine, and that means that when I see him we will not know each other.
The quote highlights the emotional distance between two characters who were once close but now find themselves fragmented due to their separation. The certainty of their connection has turned into a delicate and uncertain bond. The speaker realizes that the time spent apart has created a significant divide, transforming their relationship into something unfamiliar.
This sentiment emphasizes the theme of isolation and change in relationships. The character's reflection reveals a profound anxiety about the future and the disconnection that can come from living separate lives. The realization that they may no longer recognize each other underscores the challenges of maintaining intimacy in the face of inevitable change.
