He was not a figment of daydream or of fantasy. He was the quick-witted man who had raced with her; the man whose strong wrists had pulled her from trouble; whose laughter recognized, more than his own, her buffoonery; whose voice had whispered, sung, exclaimed or cursed, with equal felicity, carefree as birdsong on top of their striving.Whose essence, stripped by necessity was, it now seemed, warm and joyous and of great generosity.
He was a real person, not just a dream or figment of imagination. He was quick-witted and active, the man who had raced alongside her and rescued her from danger. His laughter was warm and understanding, matching her own humor and lightheartedness, and his voice was versatile—speaking, singing, or cursing with ease, embodying a carefree spirit much like birdsong amid their struggles.
Ultimately, what remained of him, despite being reduced by circumstances, was a warm, joyful, and generous presence. His true essence shone through, depicting someone full of life and kindness, whose spirit persisted beyond the hardships faced. This portrayal highlights his genuine character and the deep connection shared between him and the narrator.
