Being online is lonely

Sometimes it rained at night and for a short while the heat went away, only to get back in the morning stronger and more suffocating. I always opened the window when it rained and took a short break just to listen to the monotonous noise and watch the leaves tremble under heavy drops. No one on the empty road, just dim orange light of street lamps and water glistening. Only quiet pings of the chat room breaking the silence. “Hey, are you awake?” Sometimes I’d pretend not to see. At least while it was still raining. I could afford 20 minutes of not thinking about the illusion of connection that made me feel even more alone. Internet was cheaper at night anyways.