The quote highlights the concept of waiting as a passive experience where one individual remains in a state of inaction while another person gradually moves closer. This dynamic suggests a sense of anticipation and longing that can accompany waiting, emphasizing the emotional weight it carries for the one who is waiting. It represents a metaphor for patience and the hope that accompanies the desire for connection or resolution.

In the context of Ian McEwan's "Atonement," this notion of waiting can resonate with the characters' experiences and the consequences of their actions. It reflects the internal struggles and the broader themes of time, love, and regret that pervade the narrative, illustrating how waiting can shape relationships and influence outcomes in profound ways.