In Joyce Carol Oates' "A Widow's Story," the narrator grapples with the overwhelming realization of leaving Ray behind. The thought of separating after sharing a life together feels surreal and incomprehensible, creating a deep sense of disorientation. This moment reflects the emotional turmoil of facing loss and the difficulty in accepting change, especially when the future feels uncertain.
The imagery of trying to fit something large and unwieldy into a constrained...