The character's presence is immediately noticeable, creating a quiet tension among the other patrons. They regard him with disdain, their gazes sharp and critical, which only underscores his sense of being an outsider. Despite his attempt to blend in by ordering coffee politely, a contrast forms between his demeanor and that of the tired waitress who serves him with unusual deference, heightening his feelings of isolation in the environment.

This moment of reflection leads him to question the nature of his experience. Although he had believed in the uniformity of American culture, his interactions suggest otherwise. The protagonist grapples with a sense of alienation, pondering whether it is merely these particular individuals who make him feel this way or if it is a broader truth about society across the country.