How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It was Will's accident that had curtailed our plans for a life together, after all. (21.37)
Will's injury has a wide range of unexpected effects. For example, it prevents his father from marrying his mistress and leaving the family. Might not be all bad, actually?
Quote #8
"There have been times [...] when his defenses are down and it's all a bit raw, he literally can't bear the thought of never doing it again. He can't bear it." (22.105)
Will puts on a strong front when he's around Lou, but in his darkest moments he's devastated by the memory of all of the things he'll never be able to do again—things he took for granted before the accident. Ultimately, it's this pain that leads him to choose assisted suicide.
Quote #9
"I can't be the man I want to be with you [...] This kiss becomes...another reminder of what I am not." (23.133)
Although Will is clearly in love with Lou, physical intimacy only heightens his feeling of disappointment. It's a brutal catch-22: he's enriched by their relationship but unable to enjoy it without feeling a great deal of inner pain.