In Norman Mailer's "The Castle in the Forest," an elderly woman exhibits deep-seated paranoia. Her constant suspicion, even when everything appears in order, such as the accurate counting of silver, reveals her internal struggle. Despite the knowledge that no theft has occurred, her distrust continues to plague her, highlighting the distress caused by unfounded fears.

This quote illustrates the psychological burden of living with suspicion, showing that the mere thought of potential betrayal can be more agonizing than actual loss. It emphasizes the challenges of dealing with invisible anxieties that consume an individual, often leading to a life filled with unnecessary worry.