... Andrew wanted to tell him to wait, because only the previous week she had burst from one of those little houses and come running up the pavement (it had been acceptable to watch, because everyone had been watching), and the sigh of her running had been enough to occupy his thoughts for hours, but the driver hauled at the big wheel and the bus set off again. Andrew returned to his contemplation of the dirty window with an ache in his heart and in his balls.

Summary

This quote captures Andrew's longing and frustration as he watches someone he desires get left behind by a bus. The description of the woman from the previous week and the vivid image of her running creates a sense of enchantment. This longing is contrasted with the mundane environment of the dirty window, highlighting his yearning for something more. The mention of the ache in his heart and balls indicates both emotional and physical longing, emphasizing the intensity of his desire.

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