In the book "The Throne of Fire" by Rick Riordan, a character named Carter humorously acknowledges the unusual ways another character interprets messages from Zia. Over recent months, Carter has been observing that Zia's presence seems to dominate his thoughts, leading to some peculiar interpretations of everyday situations. One notable instance he recalls involves a moment when he saw a letter "Z" carved into his mashed potatoes, which he jokingly suggests was a distress signal from Zia.

This moment highlights not only Carter's affection for Zia but also the absurdity of his thoughts amidst the challenges they face. The playful tone in his reflection suggests a blend of admiration and concern, illustrating how love can sometimes cloud one's judgment and lead to whimsical conclusions. Riordan's writing effectively weaves humor into serious themes, making the characters relatable and their struggles engaging.