I did not understand why Alfrida looked at him with such a fiercely encouraging smile. All of my experience of a woman with men, of a woman listening to her man, hoping and hoping that he will establish himself as somebody she can reasonably be proud of, was in the future.
The narrator reflects on noticing Alfrida's intense encouragement towards a man, which contrasts with her own past experiences. She has always perceived women's support for men as driven by hope for their success and pride in their accomplishments.
This moment signifies a deeper understanding of relationships, hinting at the complexities of expectations and emotional dynamics between men and women. The narrator’s observations evoke thoughts about the nature of support and the aspirations held by women concerning their partners.
