Final answer:
The phrase in question expresses a character's determination to avoid a past relationship and reflects a strong emotional detachment and decision to move forward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase you asked about, "Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby," is a powerful expression of resolute emotional detachment and a decision to move on. This line is most likely a quote from a literary work where a character is making a strong decision to avoid reconnecting with someone from their past, possibly due to a painful or tumultuous relationship. It speaks to the stark resolve of cutting oneself off from another person, almost as a protection against reigniting an unhealthy bond.