The quote reflects the protagonist's sensory experience with alcohol, noting how its scent lingers on her fingers and evokes a sense of coldness and discomfort. The comparison to a "steel pin" suggests a painful, invasive feeling, while the mention of "white enamel basins" ties the smell to a sterile, perhaps clinical environment, creating a vivid image that is both unsettling and haunting.

As she gazes at the stars, the protagonist connects their cold, sharp appearance to the smell of alcohol, suggesting a deep association between her emotional state and the world around her. This imagery emphasizes a sense of isolation and alienation, as both the stars and the alcohol evoke feelings of distance and sharpness, reflecting her inner turmoil and the complexities of her experiences.