In the novel "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, a reflective conversation takes place between the character Clark and his imagined friend Robert. As they reminisce about the past, Clark expresses nostalgia for a particularly difficult time, indicating the emotional weight of those memories. Robert’s agreement highlights the shared experiences of anxiety and uncertainty that characterized the period they recall.

This exchange serves to underscore the themes of loss and the human connections that persist despite adversity. The airport symbolizes a place of disconnection, evoking feelings of isolation and uncertainty about loved ones' whereabouts, which resonates throughout the narrative, illustrating how such experiences shape their lives and relationships.