The characters in *The Sheltering Sky* express a deep connection to the changing of seasons and the passage of time. The woman laments the sadness that comes with sunset, associating it with endings and loss. She perceives the twilight as a marker of time that signals the conclusion of significant periods in life, resonating with the bittersweet nature of autumn, which she considers emblematic of finality.

In contrast, the man reflects on his preference for warmer climates, where the arrival of night feels inviting rather than isolating. He appreciates how in such places, nighttime represents a flourishing of life instead of a retreat into darkness. This dialogue highlights their differing perspectives on natural cycles, embodying the themes of longing and the varied interpretations of life's transitions within Bowles' narrative.