(Don't) Touch Me

What do humans need more than anything?

I woke up to a calm yellow light floating through the window blinds, landing on my eyelids, and sweeping away my dreams. I breathed in the stillness of my room, the cool air, the clean white sheets. I lazily rolled onto my back, moving my comforter down to waist level. The air conditioner breathed a low "good morning" and I placed my hands on my chest to fight a chill. Immediately, a strange sensation flooded my body. I looked towards my torso, intrigued by this feeling. I ran my hands down my rib cage, tracing all the grooves and indentations, coming to a resting point over my belly button. I spent the morning exploring my body, massaging my skin, embracing this moment of comfort. Something about this felt... amazing. Almost euphoric. It was a weird experience, yet so familiar at the same time. I wrapped my arms around myself in a full on embrace, and suddenly I remembered this feeling. Has it really been that long? I thought to myself. I thought about the last time someone had touched me this way; a hug, a handshake, a kiss. I couldn't recall. A single tear welled up in my eye before rolling down the left side of my face. I brushed it away swiftly, and with that, my day began.

Author's Note

I wrote this story a few months ago. I was going through a rough patch creatively and I just wanted to write something again. It was when I first moved in to my college dorm. I don't have a roommate, so I think I was just feeling lonely. I feel like this piece captures the feeling of a lonely, tortured soul who craves human interaction. It's open to interpretation though. Hopefully someone can relate to this feeling of perpetual loneliness

Reviews

[J.A. Marquez]

I know these feelings all too well. You said it beautifully. It's wierd almost, how you can go so long without being touched and not realize how lonely you truly are. I think that's why self love is so important.

[Jordan Easley]

Thanks :) This is exactly what I was trying to convey in the story. And yeah self love is definitely underrated.