It was inconsiderate, she thought, how blandly people mentioned the future in the sick rooms. Phrases like next summer were always popping out; people made such assumptions about their own continuity.
The protagonist reflects on the thoughtlessness of others when they casually discuss the future in hospital settings. Such conversations often include terms like "next summer," implying an expectation of ongoing life and health, which feels insensitive in a place where reality can be harsh and uncertain. This observation highlights her frustration with the lack of acknowledgment of vulnerability in moments of illness.
This perspective illustrates a disconnect between the hopeful outlook of others and the grim circumstances faced by those in sick rooms. The casual mention of future plans serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, which the protagonist finds challenging to digest in such a serious context. It underscores a deeper struggle with the idea of continuity when faced with the very real possibility of loss.
