melvin's lips compress.  he sits on the piano bench and hits a few keys.  looks at verdell's empty spot again.  there are those who "get the joke" -- melvin is clearly one -- he laughs suddenly and helplessly even as he feels the panic rise in him.
as carol breaks into a run.
she hesitates --
carol sighs. it is the sound of possibilities crashing down. melvin looks at her -- embarrassed, self-conscious -- his habits making him appear unworthy.