In a weird way I must have loved my little collection of hurts and wounds. They provided me with some real nice sympathy, with the feeling I was exceptional...What a special case I was.
The quote reflects the speaker's complex relationship with their suffering, suggesting that they may have derived a sense of identity and sympathy from their injuries and emotional wounds. Instead of viewing these experiences purely as painful, the individual seems to find a level of pride or uniqueness in their collection of hardships.
This notion of being a "special case" indicates a deeper psychological attachment to their struggles, highlighting how personal challenges can sometimes lead to a misguided sense of exceptionalism. The character's reflection reveals the intricate ways that pain can shape one's self-perception and the need for recognition and empathy from others.
