Who threw the stone at me? he asked himself. No one. But why does it bother me? I've undergone it before, during fusion. While using my empathy box, like everyone else. This isn't new. But it was. Because, he thought, I did it alone.
The protagonist reflects on a troubling experience that feels new and unsettling despite being familiar. He recalls previous instances of isolation during a significant event called fusion, where people typically connect through technology and share emotions. This time, however, he confronts the discomfort of facing his feelings and realizations alone.
This moment prompts him to question the source of his unease, as he grapples with the deepening sense of solitude. His internal dialogue reveals a struggle between the past and the present, highlighting the impact of loneliness on his psyche. The experience forces him to acknowledge his vulnerability in ways he hasn't before, marking a significant shift in his understanding of connection and isolation.
