How long is some time? Fifteen years, you said? Oh, a good deal longer than that. Isobel- He stopped abruptly, the smile vanishing. He hadn't mentioned his dead wife before. You never saw her naked? I asked, with more than idle curiosity. He turned his face away a little, eyes cast down. Ah … no. It wasn't … She did not … No. He cleared his throat, then raised his eyes, looking into mine with an honesty raw enough to make me want to look away. I am naked to you, he said simply, and drew back the sheet.
In the passage, a conversation unfolds where one character questions the duration of a significant emotional experience, suggesting that fifteen years may not fully capture its extent. The moment takes a somber turn when the topic shifts to the speaker's late wife, revealing a hidden pain that has not been addressed before. This moment of vulnerability highlights the complexities of past relationships and personal loss.
The dialogue becomes intimate as the speaker's admission of never having seen his wife naked raises deeper inquiries into their relationship. His subsequent honesty captivates the listener, creating a powerful connection. By stating "I am naked to you," he reveals a willingness to share his innermost feelings, emphasizing the theme of openness and the rawness of true emotional intimacy.
