In the book "Everything Is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer, there is a poignant moment where two characters find themselves in a state of deep introspection. Despite being physically close, they feel emotionally distant and disconnected from one another. This shared silence reflects their struggle to truly understand each other's inner worlds.

The phrase illustrates the paradox of intimacy—how being in close proximity can sometimes lead to a sense of alienation. As they lay there, each character grapples with their own thoughts, which further emphasizes the feeling of becoming strangers, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and communication.