I'm sorry, she thought. But she said nothing. I can't save you or anybody else from being dark. She thought of Frank. I wonder if he's dead yet. Said the wrong things; spoke out of line. No, she thought. Somehow he likes Japs. Maybe he identifies with them because they're ugly. She had always told Frank that he was ugly. Large pores. Big nose. Her own skin was finely knit, unusually so. Did he fall dead without me? A fink is a finch, a form of bird. And they say birds die.
The character reflects on her inability to save others, feeling the weight of their darkness. She remembers Frank and questions his fate, acknowledging their past conflicts and her harsh words about his appearance. This introspection reveals her conflicting emotions about beauty and identity, suggesting deeper connections through shared struggles and self-perception.
Her thoughts also imply a broader commentary on the human condition, indicating how people often find solace in shared experiences, even in their pain. The mention of a bird symbolizes fragility and loss, hinting at the inevitability of death. This passage captures the essence of despair and the complex nature of relationships amidst challenging times.