In the novel "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer, the character grapples with intense fear surrounding love and loss. This fear stems from past experiences and a deep-seated anxiety about the potential pain that comes with loving someone. The character's response to this fear results in a refusal to embrace love, effectively shielding themselves from the heartache that such attachments can bring.

This quote illustrates a profound truth about human emotions; the fear of losing something precious can inhibit one's ability to form meaningful connections. It highlights the paradox of love, where the desire for closeness is often overshadowed by the dread of grief. In essence, loving anything carries the risk of loss, leading some to withdraw from the very relationships that give life joy and richness.