In Richard Ford's "Independence Day," the narrator expresses uncertainty about an individual's emotional state. They contemplate whether there is a real problem or if the notion of being "wrong" is merely a metaphor for deeper issues. This ambiguity hints at the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of understanding not only ourselves but also others.

The narrator reflects on a common experience shared by many: periods of unhappiness without a clear cause and the resulting anxiety from trying to achieve a sense of well-being. This introspection underscores the universal struggle with discontent and the desire for clarity in emotional turmoil.