In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the protagonist experiences a haunting sense of despair during the cold, dark nights in the woods. When he awakens in the chilling stillness, he instinctively reaches for the child next to him, seeking solace in their presence. This act underscores the deep bond they share amidst their bleak existence.

The imagery used reflects a world that is increasingly devoid of warmth and color, with nights that feel overwhelmingly dark and days that offer only a muted grayness. This metaphor of cold glaucoma suggests the gradual loss of vitality and clarity, emphasizing the struggles the characters face in their desolate surroundings.