She did not want to say good-bye. She did not want to utter those two dead-sounding words. She turned to look at her taiga.It's never good-bye, Edme, said Winks. It's merely slaan boladh.Slaan boladh? Edme repeated
In this passage, the character Edme is grappling with the difficulty of saying goodbye, a sentiment that feels heavy and final. She finds it hard to articulate her feelings and instead reflects on her surroundings, specifically her connection to the taiga, or forest. This setting represents comfort and familiarity for Edme, making the act of parting even more challenging.
Winks provides reassurance by introducing the concept of "slaan boladh," suggesting that the farewell does not have to be permanent. This phrase implies that goodbyes can be redefined; they could represent a transition rather than an end. Through this dialogue, the idea of continuity and hope emerges, helping Edme cope with her emotions around farewells.
