In the book "Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult, Thomas reflects on his father's passing last year, expressing a deep sense of loss. He admits that he still seeks his father in crowded places and acknowledges the ongoing pain of grief. The conversation highlights the enduring nature of grief and how it manifests in daily life.

Thomas likens grief to an unsightly couch that remains a permanent fixture in one’s life. Despite attempts to disguise or hide it, such as decorating around it or pushing it aside, one eventually learns to coexist with this sorrow. His metaphor captures the complexity and persistence of grief, suggesting it is something that one adapts to rather than fully overcomes.