Throughout the novel, Jude has oscillated between hopefulness and hopelessness about his capacity to heal and find life meaningful in the aftermath of betrayal, abuse, and devastating loss. Now, though, he seems to have undergone a major change of heart. “I’ve decided to stay,” taken literally, means that Jude has decided to stay at Dr. Loehmann’s office and resume their session. Taken figuratively, though, it conveys Jude’s renewed appreciation for life: he’s “decided to stay” alive. He reaches this decision upon realizing that, maybe, all the suffering he's endured has been worth it, since this suffering eventually gave way to fleeting moments of happiness and meaningful human connection.