In a crowd, alone.

All around, life rushes on. A constant turmoil of movement, much if it completely unnecessary, activity for its own sake.

Somehow, he found a quiet corner, an eddy in the hectic flow of people, things, machines - all heading heedlessly to their own private destinations, oblivious to the tiny oases of calm that still survive in the roar of frantic noise and motion all around.

Through a tiny crack in the tarmac, a fragile flower stretched its tiny leaves towards the distant sunlight.

He drew a deep breath, blessed the flower under his breath for its inspiration and dived back in.