The quote expresses a poignant sense of transience and the inevitability of parting. It highlights how the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life and relationships, suggesting a moment of introspection as they confront their mortality. This reflection implies a deeper emotional connection to the time spent together, emphasizing the weight of impending absence.

In the context of A.S. Byatt's "Possession," such sentiments resonate with the themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of literary connections. The acknowledgment of one's eventual departure encourages a deeper appreciation for the present and the bonds formed, revealing the complexities of human experiences and emotions tied to the passage of time.