They'd had fun, for sure. They laughed and enjoyed being together. But if she was painfully honest with herself, something was missing. Something in the way Tim looked at her. She remembered her mom's word. "I saw the way he looked at you...he adores you." Maybe that was it. Tim looked at her on a surface level. He smiled and seemed happy to see her. But When Cody looked at her, there were no layers left, nothing her didn't reveal, nothing he couldn't see. He didn't really look at her so much as he looked into her. To the deepest, most real places in her heart and soul.
The protagonist reflects on her relationship with Tim, recognizing that while they share enjoyable moments filled with laughter, there is an underlying emptiness. She recalls her mother’s words about Tim's apparent adoration, but realizes that his feelings may not run as deep as she needs. Instead of genuine connection, there seems to be a superficiality in their interactions.
In contrast, Cody’s gaze penetrates her soul, revealing a profound understanding of who she truly is. Unlike Tim, who sees her only on a surface level, Cody gazes into her innermost self, connecting with her heart and spirit. This stark difference leaves her questioning what she truly desires in her relationships, suggesting a longing for deeper emotional connection.