In Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven," a character reflects on a haunting belief she encountered from an old man near Kincardine. He claimed that those who are murdered remain tied to their killers, suggesting a persistent connection that transcends death. This idea lingers in her mind as she walks, creating a vivid image of souls being dragged along like cans tied with string.

This notion emphasizes the weight of guilt and the lasting impact of violence on both the living and the departed. The metaphor evokes a sense of tragedy and the way emotional burdens can follow individuals, shaping their journeys through life and into the afterlife.