The excerpt reflects on the experience of waking from a dream. It describes the unexpected transition between the vividness of dreams and the reality of waking life. This shift brings a sense of surprise as the boundaries blur between the two states of consciousness.
The author notes how even the most immersive and engaging dreams can fade away completely upon waking, underscoring the ephemeral nature of dreams. This evokes a contemplation of how our perceptions change and how fleeting moments in our subconscious can vanish in an instant, leaving only memories behind.