He never knew being surrounded by this many people could leave him feeling so alone. Cars, bikes, and taxis filled the streets, intent on their destination. People lined the sidewalks, heads down, collars folded up against the wind that tore through the buildings like a tsunami. Vendors were bundled up, hats pulled tight over their ears, protecting them from the ice falling sideways from the sky. Yet with all this commotion, there was no life. No glances were sent around, no gruff “morning”s, no nods of acknowledgement, no drivers telling cars to “move it,” nothing. Though the wind blew and the hail pounded, nobody moved. It was as if someone had pressed pause on the world and he didn’t get the memo. He walked through the forest of people, searching for someone to look back at him, but no one ever did. He was alone in a sea of people. He grimly laughed, remembering something his grandfather once said—”Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”