In Alice Munro's "Dear Life," the narrator reflects on a time when she accepted certain memories without question, illustrating an innate trust in her past experiences. This belief is compared to a childhood recollection of having a different set of teeth—something that once felt real, even if it no longer exists. This metaphor captures the comfort we find in certain memories, despite their ephemeral nature.

However, as she grows older, a shift occurs within her. She experiences a profound realization that her earlier certainties are no longer tenable, leading to a sense of emptiness. This moment of doubt signifies the loss of innocence and the complex evolution of belief we undergo through life, underscoring the fragile nature of memory and perception.