In "Leaving Time," Jodi Picoult explores the connection between memory and emotion, highlighting how strong feelings can impact what we remember. She illustrates that negative experiences imprint themselves vividly in our minds, similar to a permanent mark on a wall. These memories can be difficult to erase, constantly influencing our thoughts and behaviors.

However, the author also distinguishes between negative moments and traumatic experiences. While negative moments are retained with clarity, traumatic events may be repressed or altered to the point where they become unrecognizable. This nuanced perspective emphasizes the complexity of memory and the different ways in which we process emotional experiences.