We usually exchange bare civilities at breakfast and then settle back to loathe each other cordially in silence.
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.