Children Quote by Emma Donoghue
““Daffy had stopped talking, without her noticing. It was if he'd run out of words. He did a peculiar thing, then; he reached out and touched Mary's cheekbone; lightly, as if he was brushing away a speck of coal dust. She thought of Doll, that first morning, wiping mud out of the lost child's eyes. Her throat hurt, all at once, as if she were swallowing a stone. She wished the two of them could stay forever frozen in this moment, hidden in the grass, as the setting sun slid across the fields of Monmouth. Before any asking, any refusal. While this strange, tame young man was still looking at her as is she were worth any price.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wonder, Emma Donoghue, 2016
A tender moment captures a desire to freeze time, reflecting love, longing, and the fear of loss.
In simple terms: She wishes to hold a perfect moment forever.
Key Takeaway
Cherish fleeting moments and express love before they pass.
Themes
love
memory
longing
impermanence
Mood
nostalgic
poetic
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- relationships
- grief counseling
- creative writing
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
romantic idealism
psychology of attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this scene reveal about the characters' emotional needs?
- How can we honor memories without clinging to them?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing a moment can prevent acceptance of change and growth.
