In "Pathfinder" by Orson Scott Card, a conversation unfolds between two characters, Umbo and Rigg, reflecting on their relationship with a mysterious woman. Umbo expresses a sense of affection from her, while Rigg acknowledges the same feeling, suggesting that she treats them with familial love. However, Rigg's dark humor introduces a sinister twist, implying that her love may have deadly consequences.
This passage reveals a complex dynamic where affection is intertwined with horror, highlighting the characters' awareness of the woman’s troubling past. The juxtaposition of love and violence deepens the narrative, evoking both care and unease within their interaction.