Who said "He lived in the hope that someday death would be a mercy."?

This quote is attributed to Florentino Ariza.

He lived in the hope that someday death would be a mercy. - Florentino Ariza

"He lived in the hope that someday death would be a mercy."

Florentino Ariza Hope

Character in Love in the Time of Cholera

"No, not rich. I am a poor man with money, which is not the same thing."

"He had always said that no one deserved a long life."

"He was not capable of living without her, but he was capable of living with her absence."

"He would wait for her for the rest of his life if he had to."

"Every day is a new opportunity."

"Hope is what gets us through difficult times."

"I'm not your enemy, kid. I'm trying to save you."

"Redemption is a long road."