Doyle’s acceptance of extreme heartache in return for unbridled happiness was a representation of who Larkin, too, could be, if he wanted it. And sure, he’d likely have more shadows than sunlight. More night than day. More despair than hope. But there would be thrill and wonder and partnership too. ’Til death do us part. And then, quite suddenly, Larkin’s mind silenced and only one thought rose to the top: I’m dying.
