he stared at his phone knowing full well he was

wasting his time — looking to the screen for something

he knew it could never provide. he’s hated himself for

years; hated his slavery — slavery to a little glass box —

controlling his every move — his every thought — his

social crutch — his lifeline. beginning to imagine who

he’d be without, anxiety flares — become emotionally

attached — only wishing that emotional connection

wasn’t wasted on a screen. if only that bond could be

brought to his marriage — to the woman he claims to

love, yet continues to live in the shadow of his

addiction. crippling self-hatred turned to anger —

a pure, emotionally debilitating rage. turned

in on himself — this is the lowest he’s felt in a long

time — a long, long time.

t.w.