In the story, the character Mary Lou expresses a deep sentiment about the nature of sadness, suggesting that certain feelings are too profound to articulate. This statement reflects the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of communication when facing sorrow. It highlights how some experiences are so overwhelming that they defy explanation.

The narrator's choice to pretend not to hear Mary Lou's words suggests a desire to avoid confronting such sadness. This moment underscores a common tendency to shy away from difficult emotions, indicating that while feelings may be intensely felt, acknowledgment and dialogue around them can be equally daunting.