In the novel "Light of the World" by James Lee Burke, a vivid image is created of a distant tanker truck seen on the highway. Its headlights cut through the fading sunlight, and its substantial, cylindrical form evokes a sense of purpose. The truck moves steadily, giving the impression that it is guided by an almost fateful force, rather than any mechanical power.

This moment highlights the connection between the truck's journey and the broader themes of destiny and inevitability in the narrative. The imagery suggests an element of timelessness, as if the truck’s passage is part of a larger plan, emphasizing the novel's exploration of fate and the paths we choose.