Sometimes, as now, her heart twisted and broke under his determination to wound her. At others, she was almost convinced that she felt nothing more for him, that he had overdrawn on her endurance: then she would stay silent for awhile, almost at peace, beyond his reach, not knowing whether she had been utterly vanquished or become completely invincible. However, it required merely some slight attention on his part to restore all her apprehensions - for these extremes of feeling only existed within the compass of her love.
In this passage, the protagonist grapples with intense emotional turmoil brought on by a romantic relationship. At times, she feels deeply wounded by her partner's actions, experiencing a profound heartache. Yet, there are moments when she convinces herself that she has moved on, finding temporary solace in silence and distance from him. She is caught between vulnerability and strength, uncertain of her emotional state—whether she has succumbed to defeat or has become ever more resilient.
Despite her attempts to detach, it only takes a small gesture from him to reignite her anxieties. The fluctuating feelings highlight the complexity of love, where deep affection can lead to both pain and empowerment. Her emotional extremes indicate that her capacity to be affected by him is closely tied to her love for him, showcasing the intricate dynamics of their relationship.
