In this quote, David Rakoff reflects on the poignant experience of aging for someone who was once seen as a beauty, likening their situation to an unavoidable tragedy. The comparison to a former Tadzio suggests a lost youth and desirability, highlighting the painful realization that time diminishes the attention they receive. As they grow older, they experience the fleeting moments of admiration that become increasingly rare, akin to a countdown toward indifference.

The metaphor of approaching hard pavement symbolizes the harsh reality of growing old, where the attention that once flowed freely becomes sparse and fleeting. Rakoff vividly illustrates the bitterness of this transformation, as the focus from others shifts away, leaving the person feeling like a mere observer of their own life. This encapsulates the struggle many face as they navigate the transition from being admired to being ignored.