Symbolism

When Miranda decides to return to the pond, we come to understand that the pond is a symbol of Miranda's hopes for the future, her happiness, and her independence. The pond is isolated, somewhere she can go to be alone..... a place where she can put her worries on hold and simply enjoy herself.

"We are all still alive, and I'm really not ready for Heaven. Not as long as I can swim in Miller's Pond and go on make-believe dates with Dan and dream about the possibility of eating pancakes slathered in maple syrup."