Neary's conception of friendship was very curious. He expected it to last. He never said, when speaking of an enemy: He used to be a friend of mine, but always, with affected precision: I used to think he was a friend of mine.
Neary had an intriguing perspective on friendship, viewing it as a lasting bond rather than a fleeting connection. His approach to the concept emphasized the permanence of relationships, even when they turned adversarial. This is reflected in the way he spoke about former friends, focusing on the past feelings rather than the present situation.
By saying "I used to think he was a friend of mine," Neary highlights a sense of disillusionment. This phrase reveals how he grapples with the complexities of friendship and betrayal, suggesting that relationships can shift dramatically over time yet leave a lasting impact on one's perception of them.
