ALONE IN A CROWD
Laughter and voices echoed in her ears. Ladies dressed up in party wear and glowing with make up walked across the room, men clanged their liquor glasses to cheer and roared in laughter at silly jokes. Music blared in the background; many burned the dance floor. Trays of fancy looking eats were being passed around. Friends hugged it out; new acquaintances formed, loud conversations were made. Yet she felt alone in the crowd. She managed to give a passing smile or an acknowledging nod here and there. But she was sailing in a bubble all by herself. She was surrounded by people, but she could not see anyone. The room was polluted with noise, yet she could not hear anyone. People guffawed but she suppressed her sobs. Everyone swayed with the music, but she felt weighed down and could not move. She saw the universe spinning and there she stood in the middle of nowhere all by herself, all alone. She screamed out for help, but no one paid heed. Like her, there are many out there who fee...