In Stephanie Perkins' "Anna and the French Kiss," a character finds themselves longing for the comfort and familiarity of home. The quote expresses a deep sense of nostalgia and desire for a place that once felt secure and welcoming. It highlights how often people yearn for what they believe they miss when they are away from it, only to realize its true value upon return.

The quote also conveys a poignant irony — that what was once taken for granted can seem elusive or even vanished when finally attained. This sentiment resonates with the universal experience of appreciating things only after they are gone, emphasizing the complex emotions tied to home, belonging, and the passage of time.