In the excerpt from Franz Kafka's "Diaries, 1910-1923," the author recounts a memorable encounter with an acquaintance who approached him during a solitary moment at a nearly empty coffeehouse late at night. The question posed—"Don't you want to join us?"—highlights a social invitation that emphasizes the contrast between public interaction and personal solitude.

Kafka's response, a firm denial, reveals his preference for solitude over social engagement. This moment reflects his inner struggle between the expectations of companionship and his desire for isolation, a recurring theme in his writings that illustrates the complexities of human relationships and the individual's quest for identity amid social pressures.