In this passage, the character stands next to a river, contemplating the cyclical nature of water on Earth. This moment allows her to realize that there are two types of "presents": the immediate moment we live in and a broader perspective that encompasses history and shared knowledge. The connection to the past becomes clear when she reflects on the idea that tears shed by historical figures, like the mother of Isis, are now part of the very river she witnesses.

She recognizes that this intertwining of past and present creates a deeper bond with those who have come before her. By envisioning this connection, she understands that she shares a significant experience with the mother of Isis, illustrating how one's existence is intertwined with the continuum of time and emotion. This insight emphasizes the importance of recognizing our links to history and the people who have shaped it.