You're sittin in a bar in the German town Lübeck. You're enjoying a glass of Gin when you suddenly see a man at the table next to you. You recognize him. His name is Thomas Buddenbrook, he is the owner of the Buddenbrook trading company and the senator of the city. As you were about to look away, you make eye contact. As neutral as he is trying to seem, you notice a hint of sadness and exhaustion in his eyes.