To each, or about each, of his colleagues he had said at one time or other, something... something impossible to recall in this or that case and difficult to define in general terms -- some careless bright and harsh trifle that had grazed a stretch of raw flesh.
In Nabokov's "Bend Sinister," the protagonist reflects on the nature of his relationships with colleagues. He acknowledges that he has made numerous statements over time, some of which were thoughtless or harsh. These remarks, while often trivial, have left a lasting impact on those around him, akin to a superficial wound that still causes pain.
This introspection reveals the complexity of human interactions and the unintended consequences of our words. Even seemingly insignificant comments can affect people deeply, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in communication. The protagonist grapples with the weight of these past exchanges, recognizing how they can linger in one's memory and influence relationships.
