This commonplace cycle of falling asleep and waking, in darkness, under private cover, with another creature, a pale soft tender mammal, putting faces together in a ritual of affection, briefly settled in the eternal necessities of warmth, comfort, safety, crossing limbs to draw nearer - a simple daily consolation, almost too obvious, easy to forget by daylight.
In Ian McEwan's "Saturday," a thoughtful reflection is made on the intimate experience of falling asleep and waking up beside a loving companion. This routine unfolds in the safety and warmth of darkness, showcasing a tender bond between two beings, highlighted by their physical closeness and affectionate gestures. It illustrates a moment of vulnerability where the comforts of life are deeply appreciated.
The passage captures the fleeting essence of these nightly...