I would interpret the quote as one of lost opportunities for fear of the unknowable future and a possible replay of a painful past, and thus an unwillingness to expose oneself to what could be a more meaningful relationship. The face of this old woman seems to portray a "what-might-have-been" had she taken the plunge years ago but didn't and thus now living in eternal regret at the autumn of her life. The wide empty space in front of her could have been filled with all the possibilities which didn't and can now never happen. (5 years and 2985 days ago)