Erm,” ermed a voice from behind him all of a sudden. Brian…
““Erm,” ermed a voice from behind him all of a sudden. Brian wheeled around and looked out at the vast and notably empty expanse. He scratched his head, turned, and continued on. “Erm, Brian,” came the voice again. Brian span around and looked behind him. “Who said that?” he said to no one in particular. “I'm behind you.” “...But I'm looking behind me.” He began to suspect he had already come down with Altitude Madness, a dangerous decease that the nomads on Jutleafe did not believe in at all, and told as much to the voices in their heads at every opportunity. “No, I mean I'm literally behind you. I'm on your back.” “What? Well get off, would you?” “It's me. It's Bertrude.” “Bertrude? What are you doing on my back?” “Chewing a dandelion. It's horrible.” Brian””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A surreal encounter where the protagonist confronts an imagined voice that claims to be physically on his back, blurring reality and hallucination.
In simple terms: Hallucination vs. reality
Key Takeaway
Perception can be deceptive
Themes
surrealism
psychology
isolation
identity
fear
Mood
uneasy
curious
disoriented
Type
narrative excerpt
dialogue
When to use this quote
- desert trek
- lonely night watch
- psychological breakdown
- exploration of unknown terrain
Key Concepts
altitude madness
voice in head
physical vs. mental space
Practical Applications
- creative writing prompt
- character study for a sci‑fi story
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the voice represent?
- How does isolation affect perception?
A Different Perspective
The voice could be a metaphor for internal doubt rather than a literal presence.