In the book "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry, the character Lorena finds herself overwhelmed by her experiences. As night falls, she reflects on her feelings of hunger, fatigue, and fear, which have taken a toll on her mental state. Lorena struggles to process her thoughts and memories, feeling as though her mind has retreated in the face of her hardships.
This internal conflict highlights the psychological impact of her challenging circumstances. Lorena's inability to recall certain memories symbolizes how trauma can affect one's mental clarity, suggesting that until her situation improves, her mind is in hiding, protecting her from further distress.