In "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the protagonist, Jeevan, reflects on his surroundings, recognizing that the space he occupies is not a conventional room. Instead, it feels temporary and incomplete, with doorways and shadows suggesting a sense of flux. This observation leads him to liken the space to a terminal, emphasizing its transitory nature.

This portrayal captures a broader theme of the novel, where characters navigate a world altered by catastrophe. The imagery of a train station or airport conveys the fleeting connections between people and places, highlighting the impermanence and uncertainty that pervade their lives.