There always comes in September a parched brightness to the air that hits Rabbit two ways, smelling of apples and blackboard dust and marking the return to school and work in earnest, but then again reminding him he's suffered another promotion, taken another step up the stairs that has darkness at the head.
The passage reflects on the feelings associated with the arrival of September, as experienced by the character Rabbit. It captures a dual sensation; the freshness in the air signals a return to the routines of school and work, evoking nostalgia for the past. The scents of apples and classroom dust symbolize new beginnings and the energy of a new season.
At the same time, Rabbit is acutely aware of the changes in his life. Each September signifies not just the start of a new cycle but also a sense of loss or burden as he confronts the reality of his promotions and the increased responsibilities that come with them. This contrast illustrates the bittersweet nature of progress in his life.
