In a scene from Jonathan Lethem's "Gun, With Occasional Music," the act of simply taking out an egg salad sandwich from a bag creates an unexpected pause in the tension between the characters. This ordinary moment serves to highlight how mundane activities can disrupt the charged atmosphere, leading to a brief, shared human experience that transcends their previous hostility.

This moment underlines the vulnerability that comes with everyday actions, reminding the characters—and the readers—that beneath their bravado and roles, they too can connect through simple, relatable gestures. It is a reminder that shared experiences, even awkward ones, can foster a sense of community, if only for a fleeting moment.