In Marian Keyes' book "Angels," the narrative explores the ambiguity of critical situations. Often, while experiencing events that may lead to dire consequences, people aren't fully aware of their severity. There's a sense of unease that arises, signaling that things are not going well, but the true gravity of these moments can only be understood in hindsight. This illustrates the uncertainty that accompanies pivotal life choices.

The essence of the quote emphasizes the importance of time in understanding the outcome of one's actions. It conveys that immediate feelings may not accurately represent the lasting impact of events. As time moves forward, clarity emerges, revealing the true nature of what seemed benign or simply troubling at the moment.