The Old Man stood before the window and watched the people enjoying themselves at the party. He wanted to join them but couldn't. The glass kept them apart. The partygoers were laughing, singing, dancing. The Old Man felt he should be with them but was held back by the invisible barrier. He knew it was possible to break that barrier, perhaps by throwing a stone to shatter it. He could not, would not do that. He stood and watched. Alone, but not alone.

The revellers saw the Old Man and wondered why he didn't join in the celebrations. Some considered asking him to join their group but shied away from invading his private space. They carried on and the Old Man continued to watch, not reaching out because he knew something distanced them.

The Old Man turned and walked away, and the sound of revelry followed, mocking him, until it could go no further. Then it died. The Old Man just walked away.