In the book "Apollyon" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the narrator reflects on painful memories that have resurfaced. These memories are so uncomfortable that they invoke a strong desire for mental cleansing, akin to scrubbing one's brain with detergent. This vivid imagery highlights the struggle of dealing with past experiences that linger and cause distress.

The desire to erase these intrusive thoughts illustrates a deeper conflict within the character. Instead of finding peace, the weight of these memories leads to a chaotic emotional state, emphasizing how difficult it can be to move on from troubling moments in life.