The protagonist reflects on the weight of regret that accompanies him as he ages from twenty-one to fifty-one. He feels overwhelmed by the regrets that surround him, comparing them to moths drawn to a light. This shift marks a significant transformation in his perspective on life and choices.

As he considers his past, the character acknowledges that he has made decisions he isn't proud of, leading to a sense of remorse that has accumulated over the years. This growing realization highlights a universal struggle with the consequences of one's actions and the inevitable regrets that come with living a full life.