In "A Bridge to the Stars" by Henning Mankell, the character Yuel reflects on the mysterious nature of falling asleep. He visualizes the process as if he were a tiny figure extinguishing a series of candles one by one, leading to an eventual total darkness. This metaphor illustrates his curiosity about the transition from wakefulness to slumber.

This imagery encapsulates the enigma of sleep and how it can feel like a gradual departure from reality. Yuel's musings highlight a common human experience, portraying the act of falling asleep as both a peaceful retreat and a fascinating journey into the unknown.