In "The Break" by Marian Keyes, the narrator reflects on the challenging nature of survival. They express the emotional and physical toll that being a survivor entails, suggesting that it is a far more demanding experience than it appears. The character feels exhausted from the continuous struggle and worries about running out of the strength needed to keep going.

Furthermore, the narrator contrasts this difficult existence with the desire for a more comfortable life filled with ease and pleasure. They would prefer a life free from hardships, highlighting the longing for a reality where troubles do not exist, which underscores the burdensome nature of survival.