In "The Long Walk" by Richard Bachman, the character McVries experiences a moment of hope and joy as he opens his eyes and smiles. This brief moment reflects a sense of connection or understanding among the intense and dire circumstances he faces throughout the story.
However, this fleeting happiness is short-lived, as he disappears moments later. This sudden vanishing serves to highlight the fragility of life and the harsh realities the characters endure in their struggle to survive the grueling challenge presented in the narrative.