In Jodi Picoult's "Leaving Time," the author explores the complex nature of memory and emotion. She explains how our memories are often intertwined with strong feelings, especially those that are negative. These negative experiences are retained in our minds, much like permanent marks on a wall. They leave a significant impact on our memory, making it challenging to forget them. However, the distinction between a mere negative experience and a traumatic one is critical.

Traumatic memories, unlike negative ones, are often difficult to access or recall accurately. They may become distorted or unrecognizable, ultimately transforming into an empty, overwhelming void in one's thoughts. This illustrates how our minds handle pain differently, with some memories becoming stark reminders of suffering, while others fade away, leaving us grappling with an emotional blank space instead of a clear recollection.