In Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," the passage of time is depicted as a fluid experience marked by the moments in our lives. The idea suggests that while years accumulate, it is the fleeting moments that truly define our existence. This reflects a deep contemplation on how we perceive time and the significance we assign to various experiences.

As characters navigate their grief and memories, they learn to focus not just on the long stretches of time but on the emotional moments that shape their journey. The quote emphasizes that each moment carries weight, and in between the years, it is these brief encounters and reflections that create a rich tapestry of life.