The author, Tahir Shah, expresses a deep sense of fear and vulnerability in his experience of breaking down on a highway in the dark, specifically on the route to Casablanca. This moment highlights the isolation that can come from being stranded in an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situation.
Shah's reflection reveals not only physical vulnerability but also an emotional sense of loneliness. The darkness amplifies the feeling of being unprotected and alone in an expansive and foreboding environment, showcasing the human experience of fear when faced with unforeseen circumstances.