In Haruki Murakami's novel "1Q84," the quote reflects on the themes of existence and absence. The speaker acknowledges a profound sense of loss, as the person they refer to is not physically present. However, there is a deeper philosophical notion that things that do not have a physical form cannot truly perish, suggesting that memories or promises endure in a different realm.

This encapsulates the idea that unfulfilled promises remain intact as potentialities, untouched by reality. Thus, the quote highlights the complexities of human connections, where emotional bonds and unmade commitments linger on despite physical separation, reinforcing the notion that true existence may transcend the tangible world.