In the story, a character reflects on a significant and intense event that occurred involving a cougar. The night left them feeling a mix of overwhelming emotions, primarily driven by adrenaline and shock. This experience had a profound impact, suggesting that it wasn’t just an ordinary night but rather one that triggered deeper, lingering feelings.

The mention of post-traumatic stress indicates that the character is grappling with not only the immediate thrill and fear of the encounter but also the lasting psychological effects it may have. The complexity of emotions points to the unpredictability of such confrontations with nature and the mind's response to them.