In "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales" by Margaret Atwood, the dynamic between the characters reflects a profound yet imbalanced connection. The speaker finds joy in hearing his voice, even though she recognizes that their interactions lack depth and reciprocity. Conversations feel predominantly one-sided, with her responses often going unanswered, highlighting a sense of emotional detachment.

This experience underscores the complexity of their relationship, where moments of connection coexist with feelings of isolation. The nostalgia for past interactions may linger, but the reality remains that meaningful communication is fleeting and unreliable, emphasizing the underlying tension between shared history and present disconnection.