In "Drums of Autumn" by Diana Gabaldon, the narrator reflects on the ups and downs of a turbulent relationship characterized by long periods of peace interspersed with troubling signs of infidelity. Despite the absence of blatant evidence, such as a woman's perfume or lipstick, the narrator senses a lurking presence, a vague and unidentifiable "other woman," which haunts her thoughts and emotions. This shadowy figure creates an atmosphere of distrust, and the narrator remains acutely aware of her partner's indiscretions.

The story captures the complexity of love and betrayal, illustrating how the psychological burden of suspicion weighs heavily even when direct proof is absent. The emotional toll manifests through silent phone calls, unexplained absences, and late nights, all of which hint at underlying issues in the relationship. The subtlety of the narrator's observations conveys a deep sense of intuition, reflecting the painful reality of living in the shadow of doubt and longing for certainty amidst infidelity.