I'm sure you put a lot of thought into making this into something very different - and different it is. But I'm afraid it doesn't really work for me...
Great use of high key to evoke a harsh, almost desolate feel, and I love the extremes to which you've taken it to make that point. The tones are perfect to it, too, as if the leaves here were showing the real effect that being near people has on them.
wow, nice idea, but I'll bet you're taking a total pounding in here for the noise and overprocessing as well as overexposure, right? I'm not scoring in this challenge, just commenting (my personal rule not to score in a challenge I'm entered into).
I like the inspiration and courage of your work... whilst I think it is a photograph of quality, unfortunately it is not the type of bubblegum shot that appeals to the average voter on DPC. Pity - I have given it a 9... well done. I would like to know what your setup and processing was. - Mike