It's just not the same anymore. It's the same house, the same furniture, the same window, the same view of the beach.
It's the same two people.
Yet it feels different. It's wrong somehow, like two strangers, looking vaguely familiar, yet completely unknown to each other being thrust together.
Perfunctory politeness, the veneer of good cheer amid a sea of untruths, half-truths, and outright lies. An awkward truth born out of convention, obligation, I don't know.
All I know is there's no more lonely feeling in the world than the loneliness that exists when someone's standing right beside you.
About the Creator
Misty Rae
Retired legal eagle, nature love, wife, mother of boys and cats, chef, and trying to learn to play the guitar. I play with paint and words. Living my "middle years" like a teenager and loving every second of it!
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (15)
A heartbreaking situation to be in
So very true. Beautifully expressed.
That is the worst kind of loneliness 💔 Very poignant piece!
Very heartfelt Misty. Well done!
Loved this one! Great job.
Oh, my heart! I felt the pain in this. Great job! ❤️
Sad situation well presented good job Misty 😊
Oh I really felt this one. I don’t think you can be lonelier when you’re in the wrong place with the wrong people. Great story.
Sometimes, if two people can't be truly together, it is better by far to just be alone. Talk it all out with yourself alone.
oof. there's so much truth here. Love this one.
Yes! 👏🏼 I had this epiphany when I was codependent. One is not the loneliest number, and some people need to take time to be alone before they get into another relationship. I love these collaborations you’re doing with Carl.
Ain't it the truth! And trying to heal that divide is long, difficult & arduous. Before the process begins, it seems impossible.
So true. Much worse than being alone by yourself, in a way.
I felt all of this. So well described. Great job!
Well done!!! Loved it!!!