In this excerpt, the character observes his mother and is struck by her diminishing physical presence. This shrinking seems to symbolize not just her age but the broader experience of aging, reflecting a gradual descent from the vitality of adulthood into the frailty of old age. The protagonist's surprise at her smallness highlights the emotional weight of witnessing a loved one’s decline.

The text also raises existential questions about what this shrinkage signifies. It suggests a potential loss of identity and presence as one approaches the end of life, hinting at the fear of nothingness that awaits. This contemplation evokes a profound sense of the inevitable journey toward death, prompting a deeper reflection on the nature of existence and our relationships with those who age before us.