In this poignant moment from Haruki Murakami's "South of the Border, West of the Sun," two characters express their deep fears and vulnerabilities. The girl likens herself to a snail without a shell, symbolizing her sense of exposure and fear of the world, while the boy feels like a frog lacking its webbed feet, conveying his own feelings of inadequacy and fear.

As they comfort each other, their physical connection—their kiss—serves as a moment of solace amidst their insecurities. This tender interaction highlights their emotional intimacy and the human experience of feeling lost or unprotected, ultimately bridging their individual vulnerabilities.