In this passage, the character reflects on the length of his sixth year, feeling it has stretched on indefinitely. He grapples with a sense of timelessness, questioning if he will ever reach the milestone of turning seven. This sentiment captures a child's perception of time, which can often feel elastic and prolonged, especially when they are eagerly anticipating something significant like a birthday.

As the night before his birthday unfolds, he contemplates the imminent change that the arrival of his seventh year will bring. Despite his whimsical fears of cosmic interruptions, he is on the brink of joining the ranks of seven-year-olds, a moment filled with excitement and a sense of growth. This anticipation reflects the universal feelings associated with childhood milestones, underscoring the transition from one stage of life to another.