Darkness Quote by Jenny Downham
““We said we'd be friends.' He looks confused. 'Yeah.' I don't want to be.' There's space between us, and in that space there's darkness. I take another step, so close that we share a breath. The same one. In and out. Tess,' he says. I know it's a warning, but I don't care. What's the worst thing that can happen?' It'll hurt,' he says. It already hurts.' He nods very slowly. And it's like there's a hole in time, as if everything stops and in this one minute, where we look at each other so close, is spread out between us. As he leans towards me, I feel a strange warmth filtering through me. I forget that my brain is full of every sad face at every window I've ever passed.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Before I Fall by Jenny Downham, 2010
A tense, intimate encounter reveals how closeness can expose hidden pain and fear, yet also a fleeting connection that momentarily eases loneliness.
In simple terms: Close contact reveals both pain and brief comfort.
Key Takeaway
Embrace vulnerability despite fear.
Themes
loneliness
intimacy
fear
connection
Mood
melancholic
intense
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- relationship building
Key Concepts
psychology
human connection
momentary relief
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the shared breath symbolize?
- How can brief intimacy affect lasting loneliness?
A Different Perspective
The moment may be fleeting and not resolve deeper issues.
