In "Eligible" by Curtis Sittenfeld, a character reflects on the painful thought that each departure of a loved one could be the final goodbye. The weight of this realization hits hard, leading to a deep emotional response that highlights the fear of loss. It's a moment of vulnerability, where the character confronts the possibility of never seeing the person again, which intensifies their feelings.

This realization marks a turning point in their relationship, as it becomes clear that love has blossomed amid the uncertainty. The idea that a farewell could be permanent forces the character to acknowledge their strong feelings, recognizing that they have truly fallen in love. The emotional turmoil illustrated captures the complexity of love and the fear of losing someone important.