The character reflects on the nature of time and change, noting that significant events often unfold slowly, even if they seem sudden at first. This gradual realization leads her to understand that her awareness of life's pace carries weight, even if her reasoning about its importance remains unclear.

She draws a connection to her parents' separation, which initially felt unexpected but upon reflection, was a culmination of their ongoing discontent and unmet needs. This understanding highlights how life’s complexities often reveal themselves through gradual change rather than abrupt shifts, echoing the overarching themes of Richard Russo's "Empire Falls."