In the book "Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry, an emotional moment unfolds when one character expresses deep feelings to another. The character steps closer and confesses a love that feels genuine, emphasizing the weight and significance of their past relationship. The deliberate omission of the word "once" adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the nostalgia and bittersweet nature of their connection.

This intimate exchange reflects the lingering feelings they both share, suggesting that despite changes over time, their emotions remain intertwined. The mutual acknowledgment of love, albeit from the past, deepens the narrative, resonating with themes of love, loss, and the struggle to move on while cherishing what once was.