Reflected by time, the consequences of his stay in Dublin are much more defined and comfortable. With Dublin he “knew the air” (22), clearly remembering his mother's last words and his own promise to take care of the house. Before the final epiphany, Eveline relies on the comfort of the church "to direct her, to show her what her duty was", (23) personal interests aside. Unlike the other stories, Eveline is a victim more of her Dublin mentality, which manifests itself “now that she was about to leave” (21) although she could have left freely. Preoccupied with duty and the possibility of "backing out after all [Frank] had done for her," (23) she remains unmoved by her decisions. Like “a defenseless animal,” (23) Eveline is paralyzed by indecision and remains in Dublin. The impact the city has had on his mind: the sense of duty and nostalgia, the decisions already made, the family life, clashes fiercely with any personal reason for leaving, however compelling it may be.