Understanding Author's Purpose in Contemporary Writing

In the following excerpt from a contemporary novel, the protagonist contemplates the meaning of happiness while observing a bustling city park:

"Children laughed and played on the swings, their joy infectious. Couples strolled hand in hand, sharing quiet conversations that made their smiles wider. An artist set up his easel, capturing the lively scene before him. As I watched, I wondered—was happiness merely a fleeting moment, easily forgotten as life moved on? Or was it something deeper, rooted in connection and shared experiences?"

Based on this excerpt, what is the author's primary purpose for writing this scene?