In "Darker Than You Think" by Jack Williamson, the protagonist Barbee reflects on his fascination with mental institutions, considering how to frame his experiences into a feature story. As the hours pass at Glennhaven, however, he realizes that the event is lacking any significant happenings, transforming it into a surreal environment that feels detached from reality.

This setting presents a fragile existence where the residents seem to be in constant withdrawal, both from the outside world and from each other. Barbee's observations lead him to think deeply about the nature of these internal retreats, creating an atmosphere filled with uncertainty and introspection.