...when she had those dreams at night, he was there, as if he had never died, although she knew, even in the dream, that he had. One day she would join him, she knew, whatever people said about how we came to an end when we took our last breath. Some people mocked you if you said that you joined others when your time came. Well, they could laugh, those clever people, but we surely had to hope, and a life without hope of any sort was no life: it was a sky without stars, a landscape of sorrow and emptiness.
by Alexander McCall Smith
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The excerpt reflects the deep sense of connection the narrator feels with a deceased loved one, particularly through dreams that bring the essence of that person back to life in her mind. Despite the awareness of death's finality, she clings to the belief that she will ultimately be reunited, defying the doubts and cynicism of others. Her faith in the continuity of existence beyond physical life gives her solace and purpose.

This notion extends to a broader perspective on hope. In a world where some dismiss afterlife beliefs, the narrator argues that life devoid of hope is bleak and joyless, resembling "a sky without stars." Through this lens, hope becomes a vital force, sustaining the spirit and offering a sense of meaning amidst sorrow and loss. The message conveys the importance of hope in navigating life's hardships and maintaining connections with those we've lost.

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January 23, 2025

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