...as she made her way back to the tiny white van she listened to her own breathing and felt her own heart thumping wildly. She had no idea where she had found the courage, but it had been there, like the water at the bottom of a disused quarry--unfathomably deep.
In this passage, the character reflects on her intense emotions as she walks back to her van. She becomes acutely aware of her own heartbeat, suggesting a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she recognizes a previously hidden courage within herself, comparable to the depth of water in an abandoned quarry, indicating its vastness and mystery.
This moment highlights the theme of inner strength and resilience. The character's journey is not just physical but also an emotional exploration of where courage can be found, often unexpectedly. The analogy of the quarry emphasizes the depth of her bravery, suggesting that it can be profound and surprising, lying just beneath the surface waiting to be discovered.