We can assume, then, that Mrs. Smiley has already envisioned every possible scenario of life without Mr. Smiley. We can assume, then, that she has given up hope that Mr. Smiley is capable of being/giving her what she needs.
We should assume, possibly, that it might take just as long to rectify the damage as it took to let things deteriorate. So, my wish to see a passionate move on Mr. Smiley's part would be the wrong thing at this time, right? It would be shooting beyond what she's capable of believing, right?
Boy, those soap operas really do a number on a girl.
