How could people, I wondered for the ten thousandth useless time, how could people who had loved so dearly come to such a wilderness; and yet the change in us was irreversible, and neither of us would even search for a way back. It was impossible. The fire was out. Only a few live coals lurked in the ashes, searing unexpectedly at the incautious touch.
The protagonist reflects on the profound changes in relationships that once were filled with love, now reduced to emotional desolation. They ponder how two people, once deeply connected, can find themselves in such a barren state, devoid of the warmth that once defined them. This transformation feels permanent, with no path back to what they used to share, leaving them to confront the stark reality of their situation.
The imagery of a fire extinguished, with only fragile embers remaining, symbolizes the remnants of their past affection. The coals serve as a reminder of the painful memories that can still burn unexpectedly, suggesting that while the burning passion may be gone, the echoes of their past still linger, creating a complex mix of nostalgia and sorrow for both individuals.
