In "The Rum Diary," the narrator reflects on a late-night walk down a hill, enveloped in a thick, muggy atmosphere. As they move in silence, a feeling of time's duality looms—rushing yet stagnant—creating a heavy ambiance that resonates deeply. This moment evokes memories of old magnetic clocks from school, where time's passage often felt suspended, leading to moments of surprise when the hands would suddenly leap forward.

This sense of time creates a contemplative backdrop for the narrator, emphasizing the tension between perception and reality. In Puerto Rico, time takes on a unique quality, becoming both a companion and a source of frustration, highlighting the struggle to grasp the fleeting nature of experiences amidst life's steady flow.