Let me tell you something, Mari. The ground we stand on looks solid enough, but if something happens it can drop right out from under you. And once that happens, you've had it: things'll never be the same. All you can do is go on, living alone down there in the darkness...
In Haruki Murakami's "After Dark," a character imparts a crucial lesson to Mari about the fragility of life. The ground represents a facade of stability, which can quickly vanish, leaving one in disarray. This metaphor highlights the unpredictable nature of existence, suggesting that what appears solid can become uncertain with little warning.
When this precariousness occurs, individuals may find themselves isolated, grappling with the aftermath of unexpected change. The darkness symbolizes the loneliness and challenges faced when one's world is upended, underscoring the importance of resilience and the necessity to continue moving forward despite the hardships encountered.
