As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment.

– John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men, Chapter 5. This descriptive passes comes at the point in the novella when Curley’s wife’s body is discovered. The described “moment” – of time seeming to stop – is not only about Curley losing his wife, but also Lennie and George losing their dream. For it is the end of their lives as they know them.