We even talked like Hemingway characters, though in travesty, as if to deny our discipleship: That is your bed, and it is a good bed, and you must make it and you must make it well. Or: Today is the day of the meatloaf. The meatloaf is swell. It is swell but when it is gone the not-having meatloaf will be tragic and the meatloaf man will not come anymore.
The passage reflects a playful imitation of Hemingway's style, suggesting a sense of both admiration and mockery in how the characters communicate. They seem to acknowledge their influence by presenting the wisdom of making one's own bed, signifying the importance of taking responsibility in life. This notion is delivered with a light-hearted tone, emphasizing a balance between earnestness and irony.
The mention of "the day of the meatloaf" serves as a metaphor for appreciating simple pleasures while also hinting at the inevitability of loss. The characters recognize the joy that meatloaf brings, but there is a poignant reminder that once it's gone, its absence will be felt deeply. This duality captures the fleeting nature of satisfaction and the bittersweet reality of forgetting to cherish what is available in the moment.
