The essence of storytelling, particularly in films, often leads us to anticipate happy conclusions that overshadow the persistent impact of stress on our emotions. This narrative compression simplifies complex experiences, making it easy to overlook how prolonged anxiety can diminish our capacity to truly feel and engage with life.

In Ian McEwan's "Enduring Love," he highlights that while we may enjoy the relief that comes from a well-crafted climax, the journey towards it involves considerable struggle. The fleeting moments of joy tend to mask the more profound, ongoing effects of fear and tension that we face, resulting in a disconnect from our deeper emotional realities.