"Depression, in Karla's experience, was a dull, inert thing - a toad that squatted wetly on your head until it finally gathered the energy to slither off."
In contrast, the recent unhappiness Karla felt was a very different and more aggressive creature. It was frantic, hurting her with fists, fangs, and hobnailed boots, attacking her instead of quietly sitting. Each morning, it physically struck her, leaving her reeling as she tried to go about her day."