"Why do evenings make us lonely?"
Sora murmured while looking outside. An orange sky spread across the horizon.
Mira sat beside them. Closer than usual.
Leo closed his book. "The relationship between time of day and emotions? An interesting observation."
"In the evening, I feel like there's a hole in my heart," Sora continued.
Mira nodded slightly. Seeming to empathize.
Leo analyzed. "It might be a phenomenon that can be explained psychologically."
"How would you explain it?" Sora asked.
"First, the influence of circadian rhythms. In the evening, cortisol drops and serotonin decreases too."
"So physiological factors?"
"Partly," Leo continued. "But that's not all. There are also environmental changes."
Mira wrote in her notebook. "The boundary between day and night."
"Right," Sora understood. "As the day approaches its end, I feel something ending."
Leo supplemented. "Transition periods create instability. Psychologically vulnerable times."
"But why loneliness specifically?" Sora kept questioning.
Leo thought. "Loneliness is a subjective experience. Different from actual isolation."
"What do you mean?"
"People can be lonely even surrounded by others. Conversely, some aren't lonely even alone."
Mira wrote. "Quality of connection."
"Accurate," Leo acknowledged. "Loneliness arises from the gap between desired connection and actual connection."
Sora thought deeply. "So the difference between expectation and reality?"
"Yes. Psychologist Weiss distinguished between social loneliness and emotional loneliness."
"What's the difference?"
"Social loneliness is the feeling of not belonging to a community or group. Emotional loneliness is the lack of deep intimacy."
Mira said quietly. "Both are painful."
Sora nodded. "Which is evening loneliness?"
Leo answered. "It depends on the person. But if you look back at the day's end and feel you didn't connect deeply with anyone, it might be emotional loneliness."
"Deep connection," Sora murmured.
Mira wrote. "Being seen, being heard, being understood."
Leo was impressed. "Exactly that. Close to psychologist Rogers' 'unconditional positive regard.'"
Sora asked. "But is wanting that being needy?"
"No," Leo said firmly. "The need for connection is a basic human need. In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for belonging and love occupies an important position."
Mira nodded.
"But," Sora continued, "connections are weak in modern society, right?"
"It's a paradox," Leo said. "We're constantly connected through social media, yet loneliness is increasing."
"Why?"
"Because the quality of connections is declining. Shallow, broad connections can't fill deep loneliness."
Mira wrote. "Better one person who understands than 100 acquaintances."
"Research shows it too," Leo said. "The number of intimate relationships strongly affects mental health."
Sora looked outside. "Do we feel that lack in the evening?"
"When the day's noise ends and it becomes quiet, you hear your inner voice," Leo explained.
Mira said quietly. "Can't escape."
"Right," Sora understood. "You can deceive yourself with busyness during the day, but in the evening you face yourself."
Leo said gently. "But that's not a bad thing. Loneliness is a signal that teaches us the need for connection."
"A signal?"
"Just as pain informs us of physical problems, loneliness informs us of social needs."
Sora thought. "Then how should we cope?"
Leo answered. "First, acknowledge loneliness. It's not shameful."
Mira wrote. "Acknowledging is the first step."
"Next, take action to seek connection," Leo continued.
"For example?"
"Contact someone. Join a hobby group. Volunteer."
Sora hesitated. "But what if I'm rejected?"
"There is risk," Leo acknowledged. "But if you do nothing, the situation won't change."
Mira said slowly. "I'm always scared."
Sora looked at Mira. "It is scary, isn't it?"
"According to attachment theory," Leo explained, "past relationships affect how we connect now."
"If you were hurt in the past, new connections become scary?"
"Yes. Defensive behavior patterns are formed."
Mira nodded. As if being talked about herself.
Sora said quietly. "But aren't we here, the three of us, connected?"
Leo smiled. "Indeed."
Mira showed a smile for the first time.
"You can start with small connections," Leo said. "Not searching for the perfect understanding person, but gradually building trust."
Sora looked outside. The sunset was sinking further. "Evening loneliness might be the voice of the heart seeking connection."
"Listening to that voice is important," Leo said.
Mira wrote. "Not alone."
The three sat quietly. Evening loneliness might not disappear. But sharing that loneliness makes it a little lighter.
"Thank you," Mira said softly.
"Likewise," Sora answered.
Leo opened his book. "Connection isn't just words. Being here itself holds meaning."
Outside, streetlights began to light up. From evening to night. The three spent the transitional time together.