In "The Handmaid's Tale," the narrator describes a moment of connection with a man outside her window. Despite the absence of traditional symbols of romance, like roses or musical instruments, there is a palpable sense of longing between them. This moment highlights the shared desire for connection in a world stripped of personal freedoms and emotional expressions.

The encounter signifies a deeper human need for intimacy, even in oppressive circumstances. Their gaze suggests an understanding and recognition of each other's plight, emphasizing that this hunger for connection transcends the romantic gestures typically associated with love. Atwood reinforces the themes of isolation and suppressed feelings in her dystopian narrative.