He sat forlorn, feeling as if that most feared enemy of sleep had entered silently on a busy night, the one person whom you must come face to face with someday, who asks you, in the earshot of your oldest customers, to mix a cocktail whose name you have never heard.
The character experiences a deep sense of despair and vulnerability as he confronts an unwelcome intruder: the anxiety that often accompanies sleeplessness. This feeling looms over him, intensifying the pressure of having to face the unknown and the inevitable challenges in life. The metaphor highlights his unease and the fear of failing under scrutiny, especially in front of familiar customers.
The mention of mixing a cocktail that he has never heard of symbolizes the unpredictability of life and the need to adapt. It reflects the challenge of navigating unfamiliar situations, which can be daunting, particularly when there are high expectations. This internal struggle emphasizes the complexity of human experience and the confrontation with both personal fears and the demands of the outside world.
