The word “troubled” is deployed with remarkable flexibility in literature, serving to depict both internal and external disturbances. It frequently characterizes characters’ inner turmoil—whether it is a parent's worry about a child's fate ([1]), a mind beset with doubts ([2]), or a spirit heavy with foreboding ([3])—while equally describing unsettled or chaotic surroundings, such as stormy waters or a restless society ([4], [5]). In these contexts, “troubled” not only conveys palpable emotional disquiet but also enriches the narrative atmosphere by hinting at the presence of deeper conflicts or impending change ([6], [7]). This layered use of the term helps authors sketch complex, multifaceted scenes and characters, imbuing their works with an enduring sense of unease or anticipation.