I made a friend that no one can see. Not imaginative, he's quite real like you and me.

He's not the nicest person but I tolerate his presence. Then again...he's the only one who remains present.

He's been chained to my ankles since my infancy. Dragging him has grown tiresome for his weight is congruent to my own.

My days of sharing a cup of tea with him have risen. Sometimes I think he leaves when I'm with you.

But I wake up the next day to see him sitting at the edge of my bed. I sit in solitude knowing he's right next to me.

He holds the memories of my rejections in his backpack, chronologically organized for me to mourn over repeatedly.

Sweet sips of bitter beverages I endure as much as I can, the only substance that drives away this being.

Curling vapors caressing my lungs throw a curtain over my grieving.

As long as I'm alone, he will never free me from these chains. As long as I'm alone, Loneliness will remain.