Another night at a social event. Another crowd of people, another thick sonic cloud of conversations from which I am challenged to distill anything meaningful, even when being addressed directly. Another hour of sitting in a corner, punctuated by occasional greetings, exchange of pleasantries, and attentions refocused elsewhere. Another drink, and another; they get more lubricated as I remain sober, and the wall forms. I’m not allowed on the other side of that wall.