The quote reflects on the enduring feelings of regret and discomfort associated with difficult choices. It suggests that no matter how many times a situation is analyzed or dissected, the emotional impact of missed opportunities and the inability to say no can linger. This sense of sourness in the stomach symbolizes the weight of those unmade decisions, highlighting the psychological toll they can take on an individual.

In "The Storyteller" by Jodi Picoult, this theme is explored as characters confront their pasts and the choices that have shaped their lives. The narrative delves into the complexity of human experiences, emphasizing that some decisions leave a lasting imprint that can never truly be erased. The interplay between guilt and choice throughout the story illustrates how our actions can haunt us, long after the moments have passed.