In the novel "Sometimes a Great Notion" by Ken Kesey, a character reflects on a sense of emptiness and loss. They feel that someone is seeking something from them, but they are aware that they have little to offer. This struggle highlights the emotional void left by past experiences or relationships that linger in their life.

The quote encapsulates the theme of unfulfilled expectations and the weight of past memories. It suggests a deep internal conflict where the character recognizes their inability to provide what others desire, emphasizing the loneliness that can come from grief and the absence of what once was.