Which best explains why the author chose the words comparatively deserted to describe the counter where Mrs. Sommers sits?

The phrase "comparatively deserted" suggests that while the counter is not entirely empty, it lacks the usual bustling atmosphere, highlighting Mrs. Sommers' sense of isolation and disconnection from the vibrant life around her. This Word choice emphasizes her feelings of solitude and her status as an outsider, enhancing the emotional weight of her experience. It contrasts her situation with the busyness of the surrounding environment, underscoring her own struggles and the fleeting nature of her circumstances.