In Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City," a poignant moment unfolds on July 4, 1909, as a man reflects on his impending demise. He stands with friends on the Reliance Building's rooftop, gazing over the city he cherishes. Acknowledging his fate, he expresses a bittersweet hope for the city's beauty that he knows he will not experience again.

This scene encapsulates both a sense of loss and an appreciation for the future. The man's statement, "You'll see it lovely. I never will," resonates deeply, highlighting the tension between the present and the promise of what is to come. It reflects a universal theme of longing for a future that remains unattainable, yet still believing in its potential for beauty.