In the book "Miramar" by Naguib Mahfouz, the relationships among the characters are marked by a superficial politeness during breakfast gatherings. This interaction is characterized by mere civilities, suggesting a façade of cordiality in their social encounter.

However, beneath this thin veneer, there exists a deep-seated animosity. The characters exhibit a mutual loathing that they maintain in silence, hinting at unresolved conflicts and emotional turmoil, despite their outward appearances. This dynamic reveals the complexity of human relationships and the often-hidden tensions that can lie beneath seemingly pleasant interactions.