D). "But cowardice was stronger than common sense."
Explanation:
The text 'Panic Fears' explores the theme of 'muddle between the narrator's mind and his reality' and the quote 'cowardice was stronger than common sense' most aptly reflects this key idea which the author throws light upon. It displays that he was more scared/panicked than he was supposed to be which mirrors that his mind/senses were at the constant mess with the actual reality. Thus, <u>option D</u> is the correct answer.
