In "Everything Is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer, the character Yankel experiences a profound sense of longing and loss for a woman who was never truly his wife. He finds himself waking up from dreams filled with the desire for her presence, feeling the absence of the weight that would have accompanied her beside him in bed. This longing becomes an overwhelming reminder of a connection that never fully materialized.

The narrative illustrates Yankel's struggle with his memories, where he yearns for the unfulfilled gestures and intimacy he never shared. These reminiscences transform his experience of grief, making it more tangible and impactful. His reflections emphasize the depth of his feelings and the reality of his sorrow, underscoring the powerful nature of unrequited love and the pain that accompanies it.