In Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove," the protagonist, Pea, occasionally finds himself overwhelmed by thoughts of women, even when the topic hasn't been raised. These thoughts drift into his mind uninvited and linger, much like a bothersome cloud. While he compares this mental intrusion to a cloud of gnats, he reassures himself that it's not as irritating as the mosquitoes found along the Gulf Coast.

Despite his comparisons, Pea would prefer to be free from such thoughts altogether. The presence of these mental distractions highlights his inner struggle and discomfort with feelings that he would rather avoid, illustrating his complex relationship with love and desire.