In "The Bonesetter's Daughter," Amy Tan explores the concept of "forever" and how its meaning evolves over time. Initially, forever signifies a static, unchanging duration, filled with certainty and permanence. However, as life unfolds, the notion of forever transforms to reflect the reality of change and the impermanence of experiences and relationships. This realization highlights the complexities of human existence, where what once felt eternal can shift and become subject to the whims of time and circumstance. It invites readers to consider how our perceptions of commitment and continuity adapt with life's perpetual changes.

Forever did not mean what it once had. Forever was what changed inevitably over time.

This quote encapsulates the essence of understanding that permanence is often an illusion, and true "forever" is shaped by the passage of time and personal growth.