In the book "Sentinel" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the narrator describes a moment of sluggish awakening, likening their pace to that of a slow-moving turtle. This imagery illustrates a feeling of lethargy and the struggle to fully regain consciousness. The gradual process of blinking their eyes open symbolizes a slow return to awareness and alertness.

This quote reflects a theme of feeling overwhelmed or weighed down, capturing the experience of a slow and unsteady transition from sleep to wakefulness. It emphasizes the character's disorientation and the challenges of facing reality after a period of rest or unconsciousness.