Suddenly it seemed to me that I looked back from a great distance on that smile and saw it all again - the smile and the day, the whole sunny, sad, funny, wonderful day and all the days that we had spent here together. What was I going to do when such days came no more? There could not be many; for we were a family growing old. And how would I learn to live without these people? I who needed them so little that I could stay away all year - what should I do without them?

Summary

In this quote, the narrator reflects upon a past moment, observing a smile and the memories associated with it. The recollection reminds them of the entirety of that day, a mix of happiness, sadness, humor, and wonder, as well as the countless other days spent with their loved ones in the same place. The realization dawns that such precious days will eventually come to an end, for their family is growing old. The narrator contemplates the upcoming challenge of living without these essential people in their life and wonders how they will adapt after being able to stay away for months without needing them much.

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