The dead dwell in the conditional, tense of the unreal. But there is also the extraordinary sense that you have become omniscient, that nothing we do or think or feel can be kept from you. The extraordinary sense that you are reading these words, that you know what they'll say even before I write them.
The passage reflects on the nature of the dead, suggesting that they exist in a realm defined by possibility rather than certainty. This perspective creates a contrast with the living experience, where actions and feelings are tangible and immediate. It implies a profound connection between the dead and the living, as if the deceased understand our experiences in ways we cannot fully comprehend.
Furthermore, it evokes a sense of omniscience, indicating that the deceased hold knowledge that transcends our own limited understanding. This idea amplifies the feeling of being observed or known, suggesting that the essence of those who have passed continues to resonate with the living. The author captures an intimate encounter with loss and memory, revealing a rich tapestry of emotions intertwined with the presence of the deceased.
