“That's a fine character to have in the family if there's somebody fun and patient around to balance things out, but nobody wants their ONLY friend to be like that.

So, for the first time in ten years, there was nothing around but me.

I thought that's what I wanted. But when the relief wore off, it was actually a little weird not having anything around that wanted to interact with me. This was confusing, but in a way, I kind of missed it.

I think what I'm trying to describe is loneliness.

I felt pretty offended by it. I mean, what am I -- some clueless animal who needs love and companionship?

As it turns out, yes -- that is what kind of animal I am. I just never realized it before because there was enough ambient love and companionship around to make it seem like maybe I don't have needs, and that's why it doesn't feel like I need anything.

Experiencing real loneliness for the first time is like realizing the only thing you've ever loved is your home planet after migrating to the moon.”