BLISS OF LONELINESS

He woke up suddenly, and felt as if anxiety was pounding through his stomach in waves. The room was so quiet, the usually peaceful ticking of the clock on the wall sounded alarming and hostile. It was almost seven, and the morning was pouring through the curtains, leaving stains of light on the walls. It seemed to be warm outside but he was shivering under the blanket. Curled up in the fetal position, he lay there breathing quietly, and tried to relax. Suddenly, the door was thrown open, an...