The quote from Jodi Picoult's "House Rules" evokes the profound sense of loss that accompanies death. It likens the experience to the sensation left behind when a tooth is lost, where the absence is palpable even amidst other functioning aspects of life. The metaphor highlights how, despite continuing to live and engage with the world, there's a persistent awareness of what has been lost, represented by the raw nerves of grief.

This imagery emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of mourning, suggesting that the empty space left by a loved one is not easily filled. The tongue's return to the empty spot symbolizes the active remembrance and lingering pain of that loss, illustrating the enduring nature of grief even when one appears to cope on the surface. The metaphor captures the complexity of navigating life after such a significant change.