In this reflection from Haruki Murakami's "The Elephant Vanishes," the author explores the intricate relationship between memory and fiction. He perceives memory as a narrative that can be woven into stories, suggesting that both constructs share a level of subjectivity. As he writes, he realizes that the context of memories can become disordered, resulting in a complicated emotional tapestry rather than a straightforward account.

Murakami expresses the challenges of transforming these complex memories into polished stories. The end products, which he labels as 'finished,' often feel overwhelming and imperfect. He conveys a sense of vulnerability and embarrassment about presenting these narratives, likening them to a chaotic mixture of feelings and experiences, akin to a pile of kittens, which reflects the unpredictability of both memory and storytelling.