Now that I think of it, she looked splendid. I wish I had met her somewhere else. I wish I had appreciated her as she deserved. I wish that everything had gone differently.
The quote reflects deep remorse and longing for a different reality in which the speaker could have valued someone more fully. It conveys a sense of bittersweet reflection, with the speaker acknowledging the beauty and grandeur of the person while expressing regret over missed opportunities to connect on a deeper level.
This sentiment is common in human relationships, where hindsight triggers a wave of "what ifs." The speaker's wishes emphasize a desire for a second chance, suggesting that we often recognize the worth of others too late. Munro captures this poignant feeling, highlighting the complexities of appreciation and regret in personal connections.