When it was over, she gathered him in her arms. And told him the terrible irony of her life.That she had wanted to be dead all those years while her brother had been alive. That had been her sin.And this was her penance.Wanting to live when everyone else seemed dead.

Summary

This quote explores the concept of irony and shifts in desires. The speaker reflects on their past desire for death when their brother was alive, perceiving this as a sin. The quote suggests that the speaker's punishment for such an ironic wish is wanting to live when others around them seem emotionally or metaphorically dead. It delves into the complex emotions and internal conflicts a person may experience, as well as highlighting the ways in which irony can shape our perceptions and desires.

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