What metaphorical expression might denote a time of difficulty for the narrator?

The metaphorical expression "the taste of stale bread" suggests a time of difficulty for the narrator by evoking a sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction. Stale bread is commonly associated with something unappealing, stale, or past its prime, which can symbolize hardships, struggles, or unpleasant experiences in life. This imagery conjures feelings of hunger that isn’t satisfied, representing a lack of nourishment, both physically and emotionally, reflecting the narrator's tough times or challenges.

In contrast, the other expressions evoke positive or neutral imagery. "The sweetness of success" denotes achievement and elation. "Chasing butterflies in the sun" implies a whimsical and carefree experience, often linked with joy and lightheartedness. "Riding the waves of life" can suggest a sense of adventure and adaptability to life's ups and downs, but does not inherently connote difficulty. Thus, the chosen metaphor effectively captures a period of struggle or hardship in the narrator's experience.