In "A Small Indiscretion" by Jan Ellison, the protagonist reflects on a complex emotion: the memory of loneliness rather than a feeling of solitude in the present. This distinction highlights the way past experiences shape our current emotions. The character appears to navigate through life without the immediate burden of loneliness while still being haunted by moments of isolation from the past. Ellison's exploration reveals how memories can linger and influence our perception of connection and belonging. Rather than experiencing loneliness currently, the character seems to carry the weight of past feelings, suggesting that loneliness can leave an enduring impact, even when it is not a present reality. This insight into emotional memory emphasizes the nuanced relationship we have with our past and how it colors our present experiences.

I did not feel lonely, but I felt the memory of loneliness.

- A Small Indiscretion - Jan Ellison