Create an illustration inspired by Edward Gorey's style. Depict a solitary figure dressed in a vintage, military-inspired uniform standing on a small, circular platform. The character should have an elongated, exaggerated posture with an almost unnatural bend, evoking a sense of discomfort and isolation. Use intricate cross-hatching and delicate linework to highlight the figure’s clothing, especially the shiny texture of the fabric and fine details of the buttons and trim. The character's facial expression should be blank and emotionless, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The background should be minimal, with a vast, empty darkness that emphasizes the figure's isolation. Include symbolic elements like a single crow perched on the edge of the platform and a small hourglass near the character’s feet, subtly suggesting the passage of time and an air of unease. Maintain a monochromatic color scheme to enhance the sense of coldness and detachment characteristic of Gorey's work.