In this passage from "A Tale for the Time Being," the narrator helps a character named Jiko up, and they share a moment of connection as they walk hand in hand to the bus stop. This simple act of companionship highlights the bond between them, suggesting a sense of care and support during a reflective time. The narrator's thoughts reveal deeper emotions about impermanence and the nature of relationships.

The mention of waves becomes a metaphor for the fleeting moments in life. The narrator laments that Jiko's small wave of presence will eventually pass, leading to a poignant understanding of loss. By holding on to Jiko's hand tightly, the narrator expresses a desperate wish to maintain that connection, even when they know it is impossible to cling to something as transient as water. This scene encapsulates the bittersweet essence of human connections against the backdrop of inevitable change.