In the last paragraph of the chapter, Lahiri uses the symbolism of the light imagery of light and dark and the key to illustrate how as she opens the book and the key clicks, it is as if she is opening herself to Dimitri who has rapidly overturned her life, which gives her a sense of escape into the light. To show, the text states, “She opens up the book...A large square of sunlight appear on the floor...She leans back her head, closes her eyes. When she opened them a moment later the sun slipped away,” (267). However, this demonstrates how the darkness takes over her as she comes to face the reality when closing her eyes, of the guilt that has fallen on her because of this affair. I think Lahiri chooses to end in this way, in order to reflect
