In "The Raven King" by Maggie Stiefvater, Adam Parrish feels the weight of a two-minute disparity that seems to age him prematurely. He values competence in others and finds comfort when people demonstrate mastery over their roles. His fixation on time and efficiency hints at deeper personal struggles and pressures he faces in his life.

Gansey's response to Adam's sentiment reflects a shared understanding of their grim reality. When he humorously indicates that "everything is terrible," it underlines the challenges faced by the characters and their quest. The exchange highlights the complex emotions and camaraderie present in their journey, revealing a blend of seriousness and levity amidst adversity.