In her book "Animal Dreams," Barbara Kingsolver reflects on the complexity of hope and love. The narrator expresses a yearning for love to provide solace from a lonely existence, symbolized by a cold, drafty castle. This desire illustrates the deep human need for connection and warmth in life, suggesting that love might be a means of escape from personal struggles.

However, as time passes, the narrator admits to cultivating a mindset where they no longer expect love, aiming to protect themselves from disappointment. This shift signifies a coping mechanism, reinforcing the idea that expectations can lead to heartache, and ultimately, indifference may become a protective habit against unfulfilled desires.