In Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," the characters experience a shift from experiencing pure joy in the present to becoming consumed by worries about the past and future. This transition highlights the human tendency to reflect on what has been lost or what may come, often leading to anxiety and discontent.

The quote captures a universal struggle where moments of happiness can quickly dissolve into feelings of uncertainty. It emphasizes the complexity of human emotions, showing how easily one can slip from enjoyment to concern, as well as the impact of time on our perception of happiness.