In Jonathan Lethem's book "As She Climbed Across the Table," the protagonist expresses a complex emotional state. Despite feeling incredulous and panicked about the circumstances surrounding her, there remains a core sense of relaxation deep within her. This contrast highlights the layers of human emotions, where anxiety and calmness can coexist in a person's psyche.

The quote suggests that even when faced with overwhelming situations, individuals might have an underlying tranquility. It reflects the struggle to maintain composure amid chaos, indicating that true relaxation can sometimes be obscured by external pressures and internal turmoil.