In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls reflects on the uncertainties of her life, acknowledging the potential for chaos in her environment. She grapples with profound questions about her circumstances, yet feels unprepared to confront them. Her world, dominated by unpredictability and instability, creates a sense of unease. This lack of control highlights the fragility of her upbringing.

Walls emphasizes the ever-present danger in her surroundings, suggesting that violence and turmoil could emerge at any moment. This phrase encapsulates her experiences growing up in a tumultuous household, where the unpredictability of her parents' behavior contributed to a constant feeling of insecurity. Despite not having all the answers, she recognizes the urgency of her situation and the underlying tension that defines her childhood.