“You need to make friends,” my coworker says while vigorously pressing the elevator floor button. She never turns to see my melancholic expression.

I try explaining the enclosing weighted blanket feeling of loneliness…

She huffs, holds her hand up, cutting my words, and says,

“You just need to make friends.”

Lauren Dennis is a Sailor who lives her life like a pirate, writing spirit-fueled flash across the globe. You can follow this Charleston, South Carolina native, all her travels, and creative exploration on Instagram at @laurenwritesloud.