Quote by Cassandra Clare
She had taken him for granted, she thought with surprise and shame, watching the flickering candlelight. She had assumed his kindness was so natural and so innate, she had never asked herself whether it cost him any effort. Any effort to stand between Will and the world, protecting each of them from the other. Any effort to accept the loss of his family with equanimity. Any effort to remain cheerful and calm in the face of his own dying.
Summary
This quote reflects the realization of a character who had undervalued someone in their life. The individual acknowledges their mistake of taking the person for granted, noting with surprise and shame how they had never considered the effort the person put into their relationship. The quote highlights the unnoticed acts of kindness, sacrifices, and emotional strength that the person displayed – whether in protecting both parties, coping with personal loss, or facing their own mortality with composure. The character's observation serves as a poignant reminder of the need to appreciate and acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices made by others in our lives.