The quote reflects a deep emotional conflict within the narrator, who feels a profound need for Aiden, likening that need to the essential requirement for air. This imagery emphasizes the intensity of their feelings and the sense of longing that permeates their relationship.

However, the narrator also possesses a clear understanding of the barriers that separate them. Even if Aiden reciprocated those feelings, an unbridgeable gap would still prevent their union. This insight showcases a mix of desire and realism, acknowledging that love alone might not be enough to overcome their circumstances.