In Jodi Picoult's book "House Rules," the author uses a powerful metaphor to describe the experience of grief and loss. When someone passes away, it leaves an ache similar to the sensation felt when a tooth is lost, creating an emotional gap that remains palpable. While life continues with its routines and relationships, the absence of the lost person is a constant reminder, just as one instinctively touches the spot where the tooth was.

This metaphor captures the complexity of coping with death. Although we can carry on with daily activities, the emotional impact of the loss never fully goes away. The lingering feelings of sorrow reflect the raw nerves that can accompany grief, reminding us that even amid life's abundance, the loss of a loved one creates an irreplaceable void.