The quoted passage reflects the character Viv's struggle with the past and how it continues to intrude on her present. It captures her awareness of an escalating tension as she faces the inevitability of impending change. Viv's realization that the past is relentless and refuses to be resolved suggests that unresolved issues can create a sense of urgency and anxiety.

The imagery of running down a steep hill symbolizes her fear of losing control as events unfold beyond her ability to manage them. Viv's desire to halt before it becomes too overwhelming highlights her awareness of the precarious balance between confronting the past and maintaining stability in her life.