The protagonist in Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" grapples with distrust and fear, believing that dreams of danger are more appropriate for someone in his precarious situation. His sleep is restless and minimal, and though he dreams of a beautiful, serene place filled with life and color, he struggles to escape the allure of such visions. He recognizes these dreams as distractions that divert him from the harsh realities he faces.

As he lies awake in darkness, he contemplates a peach's taste, a reminder of what once was, yet it symbolizes a world slowly slipping from his grip. He fears that if he survives long enough, everything familiar will vanish, reminiscent of the fading memories of the blind. This reflects a deep understanding of loss and the fading nature of hope in a deteriorating world.