In Alice Munro's "The Love of a Good Woman," the speaker grapples with profound emotional turmoil when considering reaching out to someone significant in their life. The act of writing an address becomes a source of anxiety, as it symbolizes the painful separation between them. The thought of the recipient moving on with their life without the speaker is overwhelming, reflecting a deep sense of loss and longing.

The internal conflict intensifies when contemplating the possibility of that person being in a different location. The uncertainty of their whereabouts adds to the speaker's distress, highlighting the complexity of their feelings. This struggle exemplifies the difficulty of maintaining connections after a separation, showcasing the vulnerability and heartache that come with longing for someone who has moved on.