Just a little of that human touch.

As the car drove through the night, she rolled down her window despite the chill, and stuck her head outside. It was another Lahore winter night - misty and yellow. She probably unconsciously thought that the cold breeze would dry the tears that silently and stubbornly escaped the corners of her closed eyes and snaked their way down her face; it didn't. It froze them on her cheeks though, leaving behind their wet and slightly sticky streaks. The biting wind numbed her cheeks and nose, and even her hands and torso eventually, but it was unable to penetrate deep enough to freeze her soul. It remained unbearably heavy. And weary. All she longed for was someone - anyone - by her side... to hold her hand in silence and let her cry until she needed to. The little dream, as simple as it was, was just as far-fetched and unreachable as the most fantastic illusion. She knew that too. She'd already spent the evening sitting at a lone table, pretending to stare at the papers in front of her while the printed words endlessly swam before her eyes - so near and yet so undeniably unapproachable. Every now and then she'd unwittingly glance up at the people entering and leaving. There was no particular face she longed for. Just a friend. Many people passed her there, many not noticing her presence but some eyes paused upon her momentarily. Many of them didn't know her but some did. All of them saw the silent tears glistening in those eyes and the wet lashes, and the slight tremble of the lips. And all of them walked on, unconcerned and untouched...not one of them stopped, even for a few meaningless seconds. Not one. None of them.

They say there's no feeling in the world worse than being lonely. There is. She knows better. She is lonely... but the world never lets her forget....

Ain't no mercy on the streets of this town
Ain't no bread from heavenly skies
Ain't nobody drawing wine from this blood
Its just you and me tonight
Tell me, in a world without pity
Do you think what I'm asking's too much
I just want something to hold on to
And a little of that human touch
Just a little of that human touch
(from Human Touch, by Bruce Springsteen.)