Lee put his arm around the broad shoulders to comfort him. You're growing up. Maybe that's it, he said softly. Sometimes I think the world tests us most sharply then, and we turn inward and watch ourselves with horror. But that's not the worst. We think everybody is seeing into us. The dirt is very dirty and purity is shining white. Aron, it will be over. That's not much relief to you because you don't believe it, but it's the best I can do for you. Try to believe that things are neither so good nor so bad as they seem to you now.
Lee comforts Aron by acknowledging the struggles of growing up, suggesting that this phase often tests us deeply. He reflects on the feeling of being scrutinized by others, where we perceive our flaws as glaring and our virtues as idealized. This intense self-awareness can lead to a sense of despair as we grapple with our inner turmoil.
However, Lee encourages Aron to find solace in the idea that emotions and circumstances are not as extreme as they appear. He emphasizes that the reality of life is more balanced, offering a perspective that things will eventually improve. Though his words may not provide immediate comfort, he urges Aron to consider the possibility of a more nuanced understanding of his experiences.
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