In the quote from David Mitchell's "Ghostwritten," the narrator experiences an unsettling moment as they feel someone breathing on the back of their neck. This sensation triggers a sense of anxiety and prompts them to look around, only to find no one there. The only thing present is the sound of a train speeding away into the darkness, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the scene.

This moment captures the feelings of paranoia and isolation, evoking a haunting experience where the mind plays tricks, and perception creates doubt. The train's movement into the dark symbolizes a journey into the unknown, reinforcing the themes of mystery and existential reflection found throughout Mitchell's work.