what was the point of buying groceries , of filling the chrysler tank , of shaving , putting on socks , standing in yet another line , picking a tie , ironing a shirt , washing his face , combing his hair , cashing a check , renewing his license , reading the paper , taking a piss , eating- alone , always alone-going to a movie , buying a record , paying bills , shaving again , washing again , sleeping again , waking up again ... .. if none of it brought him closer to her ?