It was all he could do. To make her see what she was doing, what she was ending, and to punish her if she did so. Nobody would blame him. There might be finagling, there might be bargaining, there would certainly be humbling of herself, but there it was, like a round cold stone in her gullet, like a cannonball. And it would remain there unless she changed her mind entirely. The children stay
The quote reflects the internal struggle of a character who feels helpless in the face of another's detrimental decisions. The protagonist is trying to make the other person understand the weight of their actions and the potential consequences that could follow. It suggests a sense of impending loss and the impossibility of reversing certain choices, leaving a lasting emotional impact that feels unbearable, akin to a heavy stone that cannot be dislodged.
This metaphor captures the oppressive nature of unresolved conflict and the burden it places on an individual. The idea of punishment for the other's actions signifies a desire for accountability, even if it's only in the character's mind. The mention of children hints at the stakes involved, emphasizing how the choice affects not just the two individuals but also the innocent lives intertwined in their situation.
