In "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate" by Alexander McCall Smith, the character Isabel experiences a profound sense of emptiness when observing the closeness between others. The intimacy of their gestures strikes her deeply, evoking an intense emotional reaction that leaves her feeling almost breathless, as if she lacks the very air needed to breathe.

This moment highlights Isabel's vulnerability and her longing for connection. It reflects her internal struggles and the complexities of her feelings towards relationships, emphasizing how such personal interactions can profoundly affect one's emotional state.