Durer's "Young Hare" painting

Durer's "Young Hare" painting symbolizes Lejla and Armin's eternal place in Sara's life. As soon as they go to the painting, Sara realizes that Lejla has never known where Armin is - she has led her to this painting because, as a young boy, Armin touched it and set off alarms in the museum. As Lejla touches it again, it is clear that she holds some deep-seated wish that her touch will bring Armin back or send him a message. Sara is transfixed by the painting, noticing how still and realistic it is. She realizes that "Only painted hares have a forever. Living ones, flesh and blood, can't stand still" (248). In this way, Armin and Lejla, held in the stillness of Sara's memory and the pages of the novel itself, will also live forever. Their personalities, quirks, foibles and failings have been painted in high-resolution by Sara, in an act of profound intimacy and love.