In the book "Canada" by Richard Ford, a character reminisces about the past while sharing a moment with another person. She orders a martini and urges the narrator to join her, but notes that she cannot drink due to her medication. This situation evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the martini represents a connection to happier times and the charm of social rituals.

The character finds joy in having the martini in front of her, even if she cannot consume it. It symbolizes the allure of simpler pleasures and the magic of bygone experiences, highlighting the bittersweet nature of memory and the impact of time on personal habits and pleasures.