The protagonist reflects on the inevitable flow of life and how she finds herself resisting change, clinging to memories of her past. Despite the passage of time, she remains skeptical about the finality of her relationship with Shay, indicating a deep emotional struggle and attachment that prevents her from fully moving on.
This internal conflict is emphasized by her bittersweet farewell on the ferry, which, unbeknownst to her, marks the beginning of a long separation of fifteen years. This longing for the past and uncertainty about the future encapsulates her feelings of loss and nostalgia.