In Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn," there is a moment that captures the unexpected intimacy between two characters. The protagonist experiences a blend of surprise and discomfort when a woman leans in to kiss him on the cheek. This interaction highlights the complexity of social norms in a bustling city like New York, where people can simultaneously feel connected and distant. The protagonist's response, "Don't do that, I said. You just met me," underscores the tension between personal boundaries and spontaneous affection. Despite the chaotic energy of the city, there remains an underlying caution that governs human interaction, revealing the intricacies of urban life and relationships.

In Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn," there is a moment that captures the unexpected intimacy between two characters. The protagonist experiences a blend of surprise and discomfort when a woman leans in to kiss him on the cheek. This interaction highlights the complexity of social norms in a bustling city like New York, where people can simultaneously feel connected and distant.

The protagonist's response, "Don't do that, I said. You just met me," underscores the tension between personal boundaries and spontaneous affection. Despite the chaotic energy of the city, there remains an underlying caution that governs human interaction, revealing the intricacies of urban life and relationships.