He is seen as a less than genuine person, doing things out of effect rather than sincere desire.[3] Closer to the end of the story, he begins to feel overwhelmed with thoughts of love for his wife, and when he returns from taking out the garbage, he tells her he would marry her no matter what. He waits for a response but is given none. And he waits alone in bed for her, while it seems to him she has become a stranger.[citation needed]