"That's the way I remember them, heading for an exit"

This quote by John Cheever talks to the idea of nostalgia and the power of memory. It suggests that the speaker is reviewing a past experience and remembering it fondly. The expression "heading for an exit" indicates that the speaker is remembering a moment of departure, when individuals they are thinking about were leaving. This could be translated as a minute of unhappiness, as the speaker is reflecting on the truth that individuals they remember are no longer in their life. It could likewise be interpreted as a moment of hope, as the speaker is remembering a moment of shift and possibility. The quote speaks to the idea that memories can be both bittersweet and hopeful, and that they can be a source of comfort and strength.