Have they forgotten that I'm in here? They'll have to bring more food, or at least more water, or else I will starve, I will shrivel, my skin will dry out, all yellow like old linen; I will turn into a skeleton, I will be found months, years, centuries from now on, and they will say Who is this, she must have slipped our mind, Well sweep all those bones and rubbish into the corner, but save the buttons, no sense in having them go to waste, there's no help for it now.
by Margaret Atwood
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The speaker reflects on their isolation and the neglect they feel while trapped. They express a deep fear of being forgotten, imagining a time far in the future when their remains are discovered, showing the passage of time and the indifference of others. The vivid imagery of their deterioration emphasizes the severity of their situation, highlighting their desperation for basic needs like food and water.

This poignant moment illustrates how easily individuals can be overlooked, especially in a society that often fails to recognize the struggles of the vulnerable. The metaphor of their potential remains being discarded mirrors the loss of identity and humanity that comes with neglect. The mention of saving the buttons suggests that even in death, even the smallest remnants hold value, yet the person themselves fades into obscurity.

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February 13, 2025

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