As the world turns toward winter and the nights grow long, people begin to wake in the dark. Lying in bed too long cramps the limbs, and dreams dreamt too long turn inward on themselves, grotesque as a Mandarin's fingernails.
As winter approaches and nights extend, individuals start to confront the darkness surrounding them. The longer they remain in bed, the more discomfort takes hold, and prolonged dreams can twist into unsettling forms, reflecting a sense of confinement or dread. This imagery suggests a psychological struggle as people grapple with their inner thoughts during the dark hours.
The mention of dreams taking a grotesque shape highlights the tension between rest and the uneasy nature of introspection. As external conditions change with the seasons, so too does the internal landscape of the mind, prompting a deeper examination of feelings and fears that arise in solitude.
